Nearly 40 years in Bangkok mall zoo - the fight for Bua Noi the gorilla
Bua Noi the gorilla has been living on top of a mall in Bangkok since 1987.
For nearly 40 years, she has been caught in a dispute between those who argue she is cared for and those who believe she should be released.
Pata Zoo, where Bua Noi is, has always pushed back strongly against any sort of plan to move her.
The zoo said Bua Noi has been raised in sterilised conditions for decades. Exposing her suddenly to natural ground could risk infection or stress.
Meanwhile, a Thai woman is fighting for Bua Noi's freedom. Sinjira Apitan has been running campaigns for decades, raising awareness about Bua Noi's situation.
“I'm turning 70 now, but for Bua Noi, I saw her when I was 30-something, and she is still there. The thing that hasn't changed is the loneliness in her eyes. Her eyes say a lot,” said Sinjira.
Bua Noi's future remains undecided. But for Sinjira, the focus is not on winning recognition or assigning blame - it is on imagining a better future for Bua Noi.
