Lowland Gorillas in Europe 2021
- Thread starter Chatt Wolf
- Start date
Bristol Zoo have released the news that after a period of familiarisation, their adult female Kera has taken on the role of surrogate mother for the baby male Hasani (Kala xJock) who had to be removed from his mother for handraising. They are slowly being introduced to other group members.
As to births, the longer intervals the better I think nowadays- at least 50% of babies born are males obviously- so many will create housing problems in future.
GreatApeFan7
Active Member
Seeing as Bauwi and his sons are expected to be leaving Burgers’ Zoo soon, which individuals would be the most likely replacement for him?
A good question. These days it tends to be a male with little or very low genetic representation in the population if they can find one suitable. But there again, sometimes e.g. because of incompatability developing in a bachelor group, an unlikely male suddenly gets an opportunity instead e.g. Sango from Paira Daiza to Berlin. There does not seem a set pattern evident overall. Very many males to choose from however.
The wildcaught single Italian male Riu at Fasano would be an important contender perhaps, because he has no offspring, but the zoo won't let him go I don't think.
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At GaiaZOO, silverback Makula passed away today. He struggled with heart failure in recent years and that is probably the cause of death.
GreatApeFan7
Active Member
Any News About Who Will Replace Him？
No. A suitable successor will be sought in the coming months, the zoo said.
GreatApeFan7
Active Member
Dayo from Pairi Daiza has died at the age of 13.
He seemed to have not been well for a long time, with various internal complications. This leaves his companion Shomari currently living alone. I wonder if they will try to get females now as I know they would like a breeding group as well as a bachelor one. Might depend on availability as to what he gets- males or females.
GreatApeFan7
Active Member
Possibly, although Shomari is part of the overrepresented Boma x Massa line. It might be a challenge to find females that aren't related to him.
The Hedgehog
Well-Known Member
@Pertinax is Shomari also male? The reason I ask is if he is could he be moved to London Zoo. London Zoo has been without a Silverback Gorilla for a couple of years. This is a shame as London is home too Effie and Mjukuu (Jookie), who are both female Gorillas in the prime of their breeding life. In addition London has a juvenile named Alika who was fathered by the late Kumbuka,London's last Silverback. Alika although currently too young could stay at London Zoo and become a breeding female. The logic behind this is that she and her Mum both reside at London Zoo. Since Kumbuka died there is no reason to split Alika from her Family. The only other male Alika could mate with is her younger half-brother Gernot. Despite Gernot being male he is way to young too be sexually mature and able to have progeny.[/QUOTE]
GreatApeFan7
Active Member
Yes, Shomari is male. He's a son of Akili and Sindy.
Lomako would be a good candidate as a future breeding male!
Lomako is from pretty-well represented parents too. But I think in some instances that gets bypassed if the situation requires it. It would not surprise me if PD pressed the EEP to give them some females now, if they loose this opportunity they will be stuck with just males for many years to come and they have previously tried to get females I know. I guess it depends on what suitable gorillas are available soonest.
Gernot is nearly 6. Some young males have been fertile (and fathered young) at age 6.