Beer for Gorillas!

A top South Devon brewery has created a special beer - for gorillas.

The Bays Great Gorilla Ale is a one-off brew celebrating Paignton Zoo’s 90th birthday and The Great Gorillas Project.

The project features life-sized model gorillas sponsored by businesses, painted in original designs by specially commissioned artists and displayed in a unique public art trail around Exeter and the English Riviera.

Bays Brewery, in Paignton, is supporting the charity event by brewing the limited edition cask-only ale. Peter Salmon, from Bays, said: “We are delighted to support such a good cause. This is a well-balanced, easy-drinking golden ale at 4.7%.”

The beer was launched at the Wetherspoon’s Talk of the Town pub in Paignton. £10 from the price of each cask will go towards gorilla conservation.

The special light ale is as rare as the species it is named after, as it will only be available during August.

Jenny Paton, from Paignton Zoo, said: “Lots of local pubs are stocking the beer, and the bars at both Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo will serve it. Also, it is going to be available at 16 Wetherspoon’s pubs across Devon during August, which is fantastic news!”

The Great Gorillas Project is helping gorilla conservation, but one thing staff won’t be doing is offering pints to any of the real-life gorillas at the Zoo. Paignton Zoo is home to five male lowland gorillas - 30 year old Pertinax, Kiondo and Kivu who are 10; and N’Dowe and Matadi who are both 9.