Years ago, during one of her quiet morning walks, Francis stumbled upon something she never could have expected—a tiny gorilla baby, tangled and helpless in a hunting trap. The animal was weak, trembling, and on the brink of death. But Francis couldn’t leave him there. With tender hands, she freed the little one and brought him home, feeding him porridge and showering him with care and love until he grew strong again.
As the days passed, Bokito, as she named him, began to grow—and grow—and grow! Now, standing over seven feet tall on his hind legs and weighing nearly 900 pounds, Bokito is a force to be reckoned with. But despite his enormous size, he is as gentle as a kitten when it comes to Francis. Often, he loves to cuddle, content in the quiet comfort of their shared space.
But living with such a colossal companion isn’t without its challenges. Bokito’s strength is formidable, and his playful swats have a tendency to knock over furniture with ease. Francis has reinforced the walls and swapped fragile knick-knacks for sturdy, unbreakable pieces. Meal times are no easier; Bokito’s appetite is insatiable, and Francis spends hours preparing meals to satisfy his giant hunger.
Despite the trials, Francis wouldn’t have it any other way. She says Bokito fills her home with warmth and joy, banishing loneliness from the corners of her life. When asked why she chose to take in a gorilla, she simply smiles and says, “He needed me, and I needed him.”
Their extraordinary bond serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds—not even species. Francis and Bokito prove that compassion has the power to bridge the wildest divides, and that sometimes, the most unexpected friendships are the ones that matter most.