Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[Jambo]

So was Johari mother-raised after one month?

My bad no, Julia had Johari but put her down after 1-2 weeks. Johari was then hand reared and reintroduced to the troop when she was two once they were certain Julia could cope with her. They both had off display access to one another the whole time though and Julia showed interest in Johari then but never when she had Johari by herself.

Bambuti was the only mother raised gorilla. Prior to Bambuti, Betsy had to be 'shown' how to feed Buzandi/Butouri and when she had Bambuti she had seemingly learnt mothering skills.

Yuska handled Yakini and Mzuri the same way; leaving them to the keepers until they were a bit older and not so much dependent on her anymore. Once they were a bit bigger (about 2) she was fine. It's likely she was unsure of the them at such a young age.

Ganyeka on the other hand was rejected by G-Anne from birth. She had nothing to do with him since the start. Ganyeka was reintroduced to the troop once he was much older, around 2 years old, and from then on was primarily raised by all three other adult females (Betsy, Yuska and Julia) and was often seen being piggy backed by all of them. Betsy was quite fond of him and Yakini. Ganyeka also has a lot of allergy/dietary problems, which also required additional care from the keepers. Its quite possible G-Anne instinctively knew this which is why she rejected him.... Ganyeka was the 'golden child' and was clearly favoured by his father, Motaba though!

 

[Jambo]

That sounds to me like Rigo didn't mate her...she was probably in oestrus some of the time when she did that. Usually a male will mate the female regularly over that period of a day or two. It can't really be missed with close observation.

I doubt it was because she was in oestrus. She'd constantly follow him around, with her iconic sack on her back and this went on for years. It began to stop around the time Mbeli arrived as Johari's interest seemed to shift to her.

 

[Pertinax]

I doubt it was because she was in oestrus. She'd constantly follow him around, with her iconic sack on her back and this went on for years. It began to stop around the time Mbeli arrived as Johari's interest seemed to shift to her.

It certainly sounds like Johari was interested in Rigo. It sounds like that was the best chance of her breeding if he had mated with her.

 

[Zoofan15]

It certainly sounds like Johari was interested in Rigo. It sounds like that was the best chance of her breeding if he had mated with her.

I’d still hold out hope of a mating occurring between Johari and one of the adolescent males she plays with at Taronga. She trusts them, as she did Rigo, and they’re both of reproductive age now.

Unfortunately, for this to occur, Johari would need to come off contraception which would then attract Kibali’s attention (the reason for Johari being put on contraception in the first place).

 

[Pertinax]

I’d still hold out hope of a mating occurring between Johari and one of the adolescent males she plays with at Taronga. She trusts them, as she did Rigo, and they’re both of reproductive age now.

Unfortunately, for this to occur, Johari would need to come off contraception which would then attract Kibali’s attention (the reason for Johari being put on contraception in the first place).

Definately the best hope IMO also.

 

[Jambo]

I thought i'd share this interesting little TV documentary on Melbourne's Mzuri for those interested.

It details Mzuri's birth and how he grew up; being hand raised. The doco also features Buzandi near the end, who was also being hand raised. A lot of intriguing information on Melbourne's troop back then too.

 

[Pertinax]

I thought i'd share this interesting little TV documentary on Melbourne's Mzuri for those interested.

It details Mzuri's birth and how he grew up; being hand raised. The doco also features Buzandi near the end, who was also being hand raised. A lot of intriguing information on Melbourne's troop back then too.

Interesting to see...of course in hindsight it became apparent Mzuri(Ya Kwanza) was pretty much a flop breeding-wise at Jersey. They were unwise to choose him I think, it was probably due to their existing gorilla-link with Melbourne Zoo (via Motaba), as 1. he was handraised and 2. he was much too young to dominate several females at Jersey, most which were fully adult. The end result was that he only ever bred with one of them, Kahilli, who was the youngest and closest in age to him. It was never clear to me if he rejected the others, or if they rejected him, or some of both, but two of them, Julia and G.Anne, of course had their own social problems. Fortunately YK's only son Mapeema in Duisburg is a normal breeder, in order to further Rigo and Yk's genes.

 

[Jambo]

Interesting to see...of course in hindsight it became apparent Mzuri(Ya Kwanza) was pretty much a flop breeding-wise at Jersey. They were unwise to choose him I think, it was probably due to their existing gorilla-link with Melbourne Zoo (via Motaba), as 1. he was handraised and 2. he was much too young to dominate several females at Jersey, most which were fully adult. The end result was that he only ever bred with one of them, Kahilli, who was the youngest and closest in age to him. It was never clear to me if he rejected the others, or if they rejected him, or some of both, but two of them, Julia and G.Anne, of course had their own social problems. Fortunately YK's only son Mapeema in Duisburg is a normal breeder, in order to further Rigo and Yk's genes.

Mzuri never got the opportunity to learn from a successful and socially capable silverback. He was more of a playmate to Motaba, who was of similar age to him; and I don't think he was ever introduced his father, Rigo. He was introduced to Buluman, although Buluman was known to be more of an overseers type figure, never one to keep the females in check and get involved in disputes.

Jersey and Melbourne were very supportive of each others breeding programs. They were involved in four exchanges together; and Mzuri was more of a replacement in return for Motoba. Later on Melbourne received females Julia and G Anne, who hadn't quite fitted in well with Jersey's troop. Basasha was a replacement for them, when she was sent to Jersey in 2001. It's quite a shame, as really Basasha was Melbourne's first and only mother raised Gorilla during that period, and could've been a nice fit to Melbourne's current troop, which is in dire need of one or two new females.

I'm glad to see Mapema breeding well though, carrying on Rigo (and Yuska's) lines. He's currently had seven offspring at Duisburg.

 

[Zorro]

Mzuri never got the opportunity to learn from a successful and socially capable silverback. He was more of a playmate to Motaba, who was of similar age to him; and I don't think he was ever introduced his father, Rigo. He was introduced to Buluman, although Buluman was known to be more of an overseers type figure, never one to keep the females in check and get involved in disputes.

Jersey and Melbourne were very supportive of each others breeding programs. They were involved in four exchanges together; and Mzuri was more of a replacement in return for Motoba. Later on Melbourne received females Julia and G Anne, who hadn't quite fitted in well with Jersey's troop. Basasha was a replacement for them, when she was sent to Jersey in 2001. It's quite a shame, as really Basasha was Melbourne's first and only mother raised Gorilla during that period, and could've been a nice fit to Melbourne's current troop, which is in dire need of one or two new females.

I'm glad to see Mapema breeding well though, carrying on Rigo (and Yuska's) lines. He's currently had seven offspring at Duisburg.

It appears that things are not really moving forward for the regions gorillas if anything perhaps sliding backwards

 

[Zoofan15]

Interesting to see...of course in hindsight it became apparent Mzuri(Ya Kwanza) was pretty much a flop breeding-wise at Jersey. They were unwise to choose him I think, it was probably due to their existing gorilla-link with Melbourne Zoo (via Motaba), as 1. he was handraised and 2. he was much too young to dominate several females at Jersey, most which were fully adult. The end result was that he only ever bred with one of them, Kahilli, who was the youngest and closest in age to him. It was never clear to me if he rejected the others, or if they rejected him, or some of both, but two of them, Julia and G.Anne, of course had their own social problems. Fortunately YK's only son Mapeema in Duisburg is a normal breeder, in order to further Rigo and Yk's genes.

Jersey Zoo viewed Mzuri as an attractive proposition given his youth and his genetics. He was the son of two wild born founders and had no other living relatives within the international breeding programme.

It’s important to note that Melbourne Zoo were Australasia’s ONLY holder of gorillas for close to 15 years until 1996. Transfers with overseas zoos such as Jersey were essential.

Melbourne Zoo were useful to Jersey Zoo by taking on a surplus adolescent male (Motoba) and later two socially inept females. Melbourne Zoo mutually benefited from the former import, who remains their most successful breeding male.

Recently, we’ve seen more transfers on a regional level and it’s been useful in managing social issues that have arisen e.g. Otana ejecting G-Ann from Melbourne’s troop; and bachelor troops created.

 

[Zoofan15]

It appears that things are not really moving forward for the regions gorillas if anything perhaps sliding backwards

Melbourne’s troop thrived during the 1990’s, stagnated during the 2000’s and deteriorated in the 2010’s. Otana was a regrettable acquisition given his intolerance of two females which other silverbacks (including inexperienced silverbacks like him) have otherwise accepted.

Melbourne’s troop has been reduced to two viable breeding females, one of which is the daughter of the current silverback; and one of which is struggling to conceive. Even assuming the latter has success, new females are needed for the sake of diversity given the troop is now represented by a single matrilineal line.

Mogo Zoo’s troop is in a similar position - with their only viable female being the adolescent sister to Melbourne’s breeding female. It’s difficult to imagine the offspring of either troop being desirable imports outside the region due to their well represented lines.

 

[Zorro]

Melbourne’s troop thrived during the 1990’s, stagnated during the 2000’s and deteriorated in the 2010’s. Otana was a regrettable acquisition given his intolerance of two females which other silverbacks (including inexperienced silverbacks like him) have otherwise accepted.

Melbourne’s troop has been reduced to two viable breeding females, one of which is the daughter of the current silverback; and one of which is struggling to conceive. Even assuming the latter has success, new females are needed for the sake of diversity given the troop is now represented by a single matrilineal line.

Mogo Zoo’s troop is in a similar position - with their only viable female being the adolescent sister to Melbourne’s breeding female. It’s difficult to imagine the offspring of either troop being desirable imports outside the region due to their well represented lines.

It’s a shame to see this happening to a once thriving species within our zoos would it be to bad management

 

[Zoofan15]

It’s a shame to see this happening to a once thriving species within our zoos would it be to bad management

I think it’s partly dealing with the fall out of decisions made over previous decades. Melbourne Zoo have had a run of gorillas with inadequate social backgrounds - both silverbacks and females. This has had a flow on effect to the next generation - namely Johari.

Gorilla births during the 80’s and 90’s were rare and celebrated events, with handraising willingly undertaken if necessary. Bearing in mind this had led to a legacy of individuals with a range of management issues, an option could be to euthanise rejected infants in the same way chimpanzee infants are (instead of hand raising).

Going forward, our zoos need to consider carefully the gorillas they import. Well socialised, mother raised gorillas that will enhance the culture of the troop they immigrate into.

 

[Pertinax]

Jersey Zoo viewed Mzuri as an attractive proposition given his youth and his genetics. He was the son of two wild born founders and had no other living relatives within the international breeding programme.

Yes, on paper he was a good choice genetically. But very disappointing in reality. Seeing that video I can see how much close contact with people he had in his early years. After the hugely successful Jambo's breeding record at Jersey, they probably just expected the same with the next male too. But Motaba at Melbourne was an equivalent to his father- mother raised in a social group, nearly always a surefire bet as a breeder as a result.

 

[Pertinax]

Going forward, our zoos need to consider carefully the gorillas they import. Well socialised, mother raised gorillas that will enhance the culture of the troop they immigrate into.

Fortunately most gorillas fall into that category nowadays. The few exceptions are more and more being surrogated at an early age too. One newer problem now is that many males are kept in bachelor groups for long periods, sometimes many years now, so they are not used to female company when introduced to a new social group. Some take time to adjust, but others take it in their stride. Otana's initial problem, I think, may have been that he was both young and introduced to a small group at Melbourne with two socially inept females. I didn't know he had ejected G.Anne but she was similarly an outsider/outcast at Jersey too- she would scream if a male approached her. It must be difficult to foresee exactly how a new male will react in a new situation though.

 

[Zoofan15]

Fortunately most gorillas fall into that category nowadays. The few exceptions are more and more being surrogated at an early age too. One newer problem now is that many males are kept in bachelor groups for long periods, sometimes many years now, so they are not used to female company when introduced to a new social group. Some take time to adjust, but others take it in their stride. Otana's initial problem, I think, may have been that he was both young and introduced to a small group at Melbourne with two socially inept females. I didn't know he had ejected G.Anne but she was similarly an outsider/outcast at Jersey too- she would scream if a male approached her. It must be difficult to foresee exactly how a new male will react in a new situation though.

G-Ann was transferred to Mogo Zoo, where she was successfully integrated into a troop led by their elderly and experienced silverback, Kibabu. It was a much better fit for her, with Melbourne Zoo no doubt quick to react after Julia’s death.

With the global captive population reaching capacity and gorillas breeding readily in zoos, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the concept of designating viable young females as non reproductive by choice in years to come.

It’s long been a given that young females will be transferred upon adolescence and go straight into breeding, but well represented females like Kanzi may remain in their natal troop on contraception to make up the female numbers without breeding themselves.

 

[Pertinax]

G-Ann was transferred to Mogo Zoo, where she was successfully integrated into a troop led by their elderly and experienced silverback, Kibabu. It was a much better fit for her, with Melbourne Zoo no doubt quick to react after Julia’s death.

With the global captive population reaching capacity and gorillas breeding readily in zoos, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the concept of designating viable young females as non reproductive by choice in years to come.

It’s long been a given that young females will be transferred upon adolescence and go straight into breeding, but well represented females like Kanzi may remain in their natal troop on contraception to make up the female numbers without breeding themselves.

GAnne was definately better off in Mogo I think, but since Kibabu died and was replaced by Kisane,yet another young silverback from Howletts, how has she fared? I heard she was initially segregated alone, but now integrated with him?

Breeding certainly needs to be more restricted and carefully managed. Many problems with surplus males in Europe now- not enough places in bachelor groups, backlash over castrations etc. And more young males are still being produced- two more since the New Year (Rotterdam-accidentally, and Madrid.) Each time I read the zoo publicity on a birth and it says- 'Its a boy!' I wince and wonder what his longerterm future will be. Needs to be curbed more.

 

[Zorro]

G-Ann was transferred to Mogo Zoo, where she was successfully integrated into a troop led by their elderly and experienced silverback, Kibabu. It was a much better fit for her, with Melbourne Zoo no doubt quick to react after Julia’s death.

With the global captive population reaching capacity and gorillas breeding readily in zoos, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the concept of designating viable young females as non reproductive by choice in years to come.

It’s long been a given that young females will be transferred upon adolescence and go straight into breeding, but well represented females like Kanzi may remain in their natal troop on contraception to make up the female numbers without breeding themselves.

Since the captive global population is reaching capacity and our region’s population is dwindling perhaps some of these excess population should be exported to our region before it shrinks anymore

 

[Zoofan15]

GAnne was definately better off in Mogo I think, but since Kibabu died and was replaced by Kisane,yet another young silverback from Howletts, how has she fared? I heard she was initially segregated alone, but now integrated with him?

Breeding certainly needs to be more restricted and carefully managed. Many problems with surplus males in Europe now- not enough places in bachelor groups, backlash over castrations etc. And more young males are still being produced- two more since the New Year (Rotterdam-accidentally, and Madrid.) Each time I read the zoo publicity on a birth and it says- 'Its a boy!' I wince and wonder what his longerterm future will be. Needs to be curbed more.

From what’s been reported on here, she was initially integrated with him but was subsequently removed to receive treatment for a medical condition. I hope she can be reintroduced, though the length of time she’s been out the troop will complicate this.

Given breeding has been so restricted, it makes me think Australasia has learnt from Europe’s lessons and aren’t breeding above their means. We currently have space for every young male in the region plus room for several more given Taronga and Adelaide are planning for new exhibits; and several gorillas in the region are getting on in years.

 

[Zoofan15]

Since the captive global population is reaching capacity and our region’s population is dwindling perhaps some of these excess population should be exported to our region before it shrinks anymore

Our region’s population could easily be increased with females such as Mbeli and Kipenzi taken off contraception; but given how so many of our gorillas are related, your idea would bring in some much needed new genetics.

The obvious imports needed in the short term are:

0.2 at Melbourne
0.1 at Mogo

Long term, Taronga should look at either importing a new male to breed with Mbeli and Fikiri (and retiring Kibali with his three sons); or importing a new female to breed with Kibali given he now only has one reproductively viable female in his troop.