A baby gorilla has caught a ride on her keeper's back during a play session.

Six-month-old Afia clung on to her keeper as she would her mother and is said to be strong, alert and vocal.

The Western lowland gorilla, who was born on February 12 this year, lives at Bristol Zoo's Gorilla Island.

Sarah Gedman, one of Afia's keepers, said: "Afia is doing extremely well and is exactly where we would expect her to be in regards to development and health.

"She is constantly learning and is very determined. If she sees something she wants, she will do all she can to get hold of it and investigate."

Afia is taken out onto the island daily to help build her confidence and awareness of what will eventually become her new home.

While the troop enjoy their breakfast outside, she will also explore all areas of the indoor house.

She has become fascinated with faces and studies not only her keepers' faces but also those of the other gorillas.

"Romina, who adores Afia, particularly loves Afia stroking her around her face and gives lovely, gentle vocalisations when she does," Ms Gedman said.

"Afia has constant visibility of the rest of the troop during the day and interacts with them through the mesh.

"They all pay her lots of attention and love it when she gets excited and makes noises. They will often engage her in play."

Afia, who was born by emergency C-section with the help of a gynaecologist from St Michael's Hospital in Bristol, spends lots of time on a climbing frame which was made for her by her keepers. She has also discovered that she can knuckle-walk.

Her mother, Kera, is recovering well from severe anaemia but still is not aware that Afia is hers.

Romina, who it is hoped will become surrogate mother to Afia, is currently separated from the troop on a daily basis so that eventually she and Afia can get to know one another.

It is not yet known when Afia will be introduced to the rest of the troop and keepers say it is dependent on a number of factors - with the most important being Afia's readiness.

She is not yet on show to the public.