Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo’s history book mentions the male Polar bears (Brunus and Natuk) being locked away from the female (Natasha) in the lead up to her births in 1957 and 1960, so the Polar bear exhibit definitely had the capacity to seperate bears via the internal dens. I too heard reference to a second bear pit (which I assume was the adjacent pit still in use today). The third bear pit was converted into a meerkat exhibit in 1991.

The popularity of big cats will never change and so I’m a little disappointed the zoo are planning a rhino complex on the site of the elephant exhibit; rather than a lion complex to accomodate a large breeding pride. Pairing the latter with hyena housed in the exisiting lion exhibit would have been a great addition to the zoo.

Yes, it is disappointing to hear that the rhinos will be moved to the old elephant area when Burma is moved on. I'm not sure that the area will be suitable for the rhinos, even though they are bound to make considerable changes to the exhibit. A breeding pride of lions would have been a spectacular sight - although the current 3 lionesses, Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola, are fascinating to watch, I hear visitors frequently wondering aloud where the males and cubs are. Hyena would have been an interesting addition to the zoo, also, although I remember hearing somewhere about Hamilton Zoo possibly acquiring hyena.

I would also have loved to see more African primates other than the Hamadryas baboons - vervet monkeys, I believe, would have been a great addition to the Africa section of the zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, it is disappointing to hear that the rhinos will be moved to the old elephant area when Burma is moved on. I'm not sure that the area will be suitable for the rhinos, even though they are bound to make considerable changes to the exhibit. A breeding pride of lions would have been a spectacular sight - although the current 3 lionesses, Aziza, Kibibi and Ilola, are fascinating to watch, I hear visitors frequently wondering aloud where the males and cubs are. Hyena would have been an interesting addition to the zoo, also, although I remember hearing somewhere about Hamilton Zoo possibly acquiring hyena.

I would also have loved to see more African primates other than the Hamadryas baboons - vervet monkeys, I believe, would have been a great addition to the Africa section of the zoo.

I was told the suitability of the elephant house for rhinos was an influencing factor; with only minor modifications needed to be made to the exhibit e.g. the filling in of the elephant pool; the installation of mud wallows etc. This is versus refurbishing it for felids or primates which would have vastly different fencing and housing requirements.

The lack of male lions at Auckland Zoo is frequently mentioned on my visits too. They should have imported two lionesses and a vasectomised male if they didn’t want to hold a breeding pride. A single male brought in now could struggle to assert himself over the three lionesses and they don’t have the space for a pride of 2.3 adults.

Yes that’s correct. Hamilton Zoo are planning to phase out African wild dog. Spotted hyena will be imported after the death of the remaining male, which I anticipate will be within the next 12-18 months based on his age (11 years).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I was told the suitability of the elephant house for rhinos was an influencing factor; with only minor modifications needed to be made to the exhibit e.g. the filling in of the elephant pool; the installation of mud wallows etc. This is versus refurbishing it for felids or primates which would have vastly different fencing and housing requirements.

The lack of male lions at Auckland Zoo is frequently mentioned on my visits too. They should have imported two lionesses and a vasectomised male if they didn’t want to hold a breeding pride. A single male brought in now could struggle to assert himself over the three lionesses and they don’t have the space for a pride of 2.3 adults.

Yes that’s correct. Hamilton Zoo are planning to phase out African wild dog. Spotted hyena will be imported after the death of the remaining male, which I anticipate will be within the next 12-18 months based on his age (11 years).

It will be interesting to see what Auckland Zoo will make of the new rhino exhibit, and it will be interesting to see how hyena fit in at Hamilton, though it is sad that they are phasing out the wild dogs as that will mean the end of the species in New Zealand unless another zoo decides to import them.

 

[Zoofan15]

It will be interesting to see what Auckland Zoo will make of the new rhino exhibit, and it will be interesting to see how hyena fit in at Hamilton, though it is sad that they are phasing out the wild dogs as that will mean the end of the species in New Zealand unless another zoo decides to import them.

It will indeed be sad to see an end of African wild dogs at Hamilton Zoo. They first imported them in 2003 and the initial breeding pack was highly successful. Unfortunately they’ve experienced repeated failures in establishing a successful breeding pack since then, which has no doubt contributed to the decision. Nonetheless, I’m excited Spotted hyena will be coming to the zoo. Between their import and the tiger cubs, they’ll be plenty to see at Hamilton Zoo.

African wild dog are also held by Orana Wildlife Park. They’ve held the species since 1998 and currently hold a pack of five females. It’ll be interesting to see if their ageing females are replaced by more wild dogs; or whether they go the route of hyenas like Hamilton Zoo.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It will indeed be sad to see an end of African wild dogs at Hamilton Zoo. They first imported them in 2003 and the initial breeding pack was highly successful. Unfortunately they’ve experienced repeated failures in establishing a successful breeding pack since then, which has no doubt contributed to the decision. Nonetheless, I’m excited Spotted hyena will be coming to the zoo. Between their import and the tiger cubs, they’ll be plenty to see at Hamilton Zoo.

African wild dog are also held by Orana Wildlife Park. They’ve held the species since 1998 and currently hold a pack of five females. It’ll be interesting to see if their ageing females are replaced by more wild dogs; or whether they go the route of hyenas like Hamilton Zoo.

It will be exciting to see hyena. I'm not sure if any other NZ zoo has held them, or if so, it must have been some time ago.

Hamilton Zoo does seem to have some exciting developments going on - especially with tamarin and porcupine births lately. My main interest is the primates, and although it's too soon after Kendi's birth for the chimpanzees to breed again, I am hoping for a siamang infant at some point since Kasih and Lima appear to be getting along well.

 

[Zoofan15]

Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population 2024

This year, gorillas are arranged by social groupings to reflect the introduction of G-Ann and Kaius; and the separation of the males at Orana Wildlife Park.

Taronga Zoo’s troop will be interesting to watch over the next year, with the separation of the adolescent males becoming increasingly necessary; and the future of gorillas at Taronga reportedly under consideration.

Taronga Zoo:

1.0 Kibali (25/03/2001) Yaounde x Moseka; Imported 2012
0.1 Frala (14/06/1981) Bongo x Mintha; Imported 1996
0.1 Johari (26/04/2000) Motoba x Julia
0.1 Mbeli (05/02/2003) Kibabu x Mouila
1.0 Mjukuu (30/10/2014) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Fabumi (13/05/2015) Kibali x Frala
1.0 Mwamba (02/09/2017 Kibali x Mbeli

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Otana (28/01/2001) Kouillou x Tamba; Imported 2013
0.1 Kimya (12/01/2005) Kibabu x Kriba
0.1 Kanzi (14/03/2015) Otana x Kimya

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Motaba (23/12/1983) Jambo x Nandi; Imported 1990
1.0 Yakini (28/11/1999) Motoba x Yuska
1.0 Ganyeka (29/04/2000) Motoba x G-Ann

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Kisane (18/08/2006) Djanghou x Sanki; Imported 2019
0.1 Kriba (09/08/1979) Bongo x Mouila; Imported 1996
0.1 Kipenzi (14/01/2011) Kibabu x Kriba

0.1 G-Ann (08/06/1979) Moemba x Fern; Imported 1997
1.0 Kaius (21/10/2022) Kisane x Kipenzi

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Fataki (24/05/2003) Kibabu x Frala

1.0 Fuzu (08/12/2007) Kibabu x Frala

Total regional population: 12.8

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population 2024

This year, gorillas are arranged by social groupings to reflect the introduction of G-Ann and Kaius; and the separation of the males at Orana Wildlife Park.

Taronga Zoo’s troop will be interesting to watch over the next year, with the separation of the adolescent males becoming increasingly necessary; and the future of gorillas at Taronga reportedly under consideration.

Taronga Zoo:

1.0 Kibali (25/03/2001) Yaounde x Moseka; Imported 2012
0.1 Frala (14/06/1981) Bongo x Mintha; Imported 1996
0.1 Johari (26/04/2000) Motoba x Julia
0.1 Mbeli (05/02/2003) Kibabu x Mouila
1.0 Mjukuu (30/10/2014) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Fabumi (13/05/2015) Kibali x Frala
1.0 Mwamba (02/09/2017 Kibali x Mbeli

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Otana (28/01/2001) Kouillou x Tamba; Imported 2013
0.1 Kimya (12/01/2005) Kibabu x Kriba
0.1 Kanzi (14/03/2015) Otana x Kimya

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Motaba (23/12/1983) Jambo x Nandi; Imported 1990
1.0 Yakini (28/11/1999) Motoba x Yuska
1.0 Ganyeka (29/04/2000) Motoba x G-Ann

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Kisane (18/08/2006) Djanghou x Sanki; Imported 2019
0.1 Kriba (09/08/1979) Bongo x Mouila; Imported 1996
0.1 Kipenzi (14/01/2011) Kibabu x Kriba

0.1 G-Ann (08/06/1979) Moemba x Fern; Imported 1997
1.0 Kaius (21/10/2022) Kisane x Kipenzi

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Fataki (24/05/2003) Kibabu x Frala

1.0 Fuzu (08/12/2007) Kibabu x Frala

Total regional population: 12.8

Thanks for these updates! A recent tidbit of information I found out that I wasn't previously aware of is that Orana Wildlife Park's two male gorillas are half-brothers of Japan's famous Shabani (and the late Mahali may have been a full brother IIRC?)

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for these updates! A recent tidbit of information I found out that I wasn't previously aware of is that Orana Wildlife Park's two male gorillas are half-brothers of Japan's famous Shabani (and the late Mahali may have been a full brother IIRC?)

Yes that’s correct. Kibabu had three females in his troop (Mouila, Kriba and Frala):

Mouila had Haoko (1993), Shabani (1996), Mbeli (2003) and Mahali (2008).

Kriba had Kijivu (1989), Safiri (1996), Kimya (2005) and Kipenzi (2011).

Frala had Shinda (1991), Anguka (1994), Fataki (2003) and Fuzu (2007).

Note: Only surviving offspring that lived at Taronga are mentioned.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes that’s correct. Kibabu had three females in his troop (Mouila, Kriba and Frala):

Mouila had Haoko (1993), Shabani (1996), Mbeli (2003) and Mahali (2008).

Kriba had Kijivu (1989), Safiri (1996), Kimya (2005) and Kipenzi (2011).

Frala had Shinda (1991), Anguka (1994), Fataki (2003) and Fuzu (2007).

Note: Only surviving offspring that lived at Taronga are mentioned.

@Zoofan15 - thank you for confirming this!

 

[Tiger91]

Hopefully 2024 will be a better year for gorilla in Aus. With so much surplus in Europe, hopefully we can see some movement of gorillas and new imports to start things back up again.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hopefully 2024 will be a better year for gorilla in Aus. With so much surplus in Europe, hopefully we can see some movement of gorillas and new imports to start things back up again.

The tragic loss of Fikiri has had many implications, including that it’s reduced the viable reproductive population to a single female line. Frala would now be post-reproductive and Johari is a behavioural non breeder. Therefore, we’re left with Mouila’s daughter (Mbeli); Mouila’s grandaughters (Kimya and Kipenzi); and Mouila’s great-grandaughter (Kanzi).

New females are needed not just to address the demographics of the region, but for the sake of genetic diversity.

 

[Tiger91]

The tragic loss of Fikiri has had many implications, including that it’s reduced the viable reproductive population to a single female line. Frala would now be post-reproductive and Johari is a behavioural non breeder. Therefore, we’re left with Mouila’s daughter (Mbeli); Mouila’s grandaughters (Kimya and Kipenzi); and Mouila’s great-grandaughter (Kanzi).

New females are needed not just to address the demographics of the region, but for the sake of genetic diversity.

And its not like Europe doesn't have spare females they could ship out. Hopefully we will see some movement for gorillas soon.
Either that or the region is happy to sit on the current state of things knowing, that it is a species that can be imported and is easy to acquire when needed.

 

[Zoofan15]

And its not like Europe doesn't have spare females they could ship out. Hopefully we will see some movement for gorillas soon.
Either that or the region is happy to sit on the current state of things knowing, that it is a species that can be imported and is easy to acquire when needed.

When I asked staff at Melbourne Zoo, they said there’s no plans to import gorillas at this point in time.

It probably makes sense to wait for confirmation of Taronga’s long term plans. In the event they decide to phase out gorillas, Frala and Mbeli could potentially join the Melbourne troop; with Johari joining Kisane, Kriba and Kipenzi (or more likely G-Anne and Kaius) at Mogo.

 

[Tiger91]

When I asked staff at Melbourne Zoo, they said there’s no plans to import gorillas at this point in time.

It probably makes sense to wait for confirmation of Taronga’s long term plans. In the event they decide to phase out gorillas, Frala and Mbeli could potentially join the Melbourne troop; with Johari joining Kisane, Kriba and Kipenzi (or more likely G-Anne and Kaius) at Mogo.

I would be very surprised if Taronga phased out gorillas. The only animals that draw massive amounts of crowds when babies are born are the elephants, tigers, and gorillas probably chimps as well. The gorillas are one of there most popular species, with the elephants going if they lost gorillas they would be facing to much back lash from the public.

A congo precinct featured around gorillas and pygmy hippo would be a great addition to the zoo. Id be surprised if they ditched those plans. However they do make odd decisions at times.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I would be very surprised if Taronga phased out gorillas. The only animals that draw massive amounts of crowds when babies are born are the elephants, tigers, and gorillas probably chimps as well. The gorillas are one of there most popular species, with the elephants going if they lost gorillas they would be facing to much back lash from the public.

A congo precinct featured around gorillas and pygmy hippo would be a great addition to the zoo. Id be surprised if they ditched those plans. However they do make odd decisions at times.

I've seen various zoo enthusiasts online claim that the most popular animals are the great apes and big cats, whether or not there are babies, so I too would be very surprised if Taronga phased out gorillas. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they transferred out some of the males as others have mentioned elsewhere.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would be very surprised if Taronga phased out gorillas. The only animals that draw massive amounts of crowds when babies are born are the elephants, tigers, and gorillas probably chimps as well. The gorillas are one of there most popular species, with the elephants going if they lost gorillas they would be facing to much back lash from the public.

A congo precinct featured around gorillas and pygmy hippo would be a great addition to the zoo. Id be surprised if they ditched those plans. However they do make odd decisions at times.

I've seen various zoo enthusiasts online claim that the most popular animals are the great apes and big cats, whether or not there are babies, so I too would be very surprised if Taronga phased out gorillas. Although I wouldn't be surprised if they transferred out some of the males as others have mentioned elsewhere.

It was mentioned on here last year that Taronga Zoo are considering an ape species for the site that will be redeveloped following the phase out of the elephants. This can really only be Bornean or Sumatran orangutan. Orangutans were in the zoo’s 2015 masterplan and one of the last items on the list, with several previous projects undertaken in the decade that’s followed.

Taronga could potentially phase out gorillas and focus on chimpanzees and orangutans, which are both major crowd-pullers. The orangutans are a great face for the modern zoo, with aerial pathways allowing them to traverse large areas beyond their exhibit.

With Orana Wildlife Park canning their plans to import a breeding troop of gorillas; and Adelaide Zoo removing gorillas from their plans, regional support for gorillas has weakened significantly. With Bornean orangutan now critically endangered and the face of the palm oil campaign, it ticks so many boxes for any zoo considering holding them.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

It was mentioned on here last year that Taronga Zoo are considering an ape species for the site that will be redeveloped following the phase out of the elephants. This can really only be Bornean or Sumatran orangutan. Orangutans were in the zoo’s 2015 masterplan and one of the last items on the list, with several previous projects undertaken in the decade that’s followed.

Taronga could potentially phase out gorillas and focus on chimpanzees and orangutans, which are both major crowd-pullers. The orangutans are a great face for the modern zoo, with aerial pathways allowing them to traverse large areas beyond their exhibit.

With Orana Wildlife Park canning their plans to import a breeding troop of gorillas; and Adelaide Zoo removing gorillas from their plans, regional support for gorillas has weakened significantly. With Bornean orangutan now critically endangered and the face of the palm oil campaign, it ticks so many boxes for any zoo considering holding them.

If Taronga does replace gorillas with another ape species, my own preference would be for Bornean orangutans, as no other zoo in Australia currently holds them. Auckland Zoo's Bornean orangutans are immensely popular, and this species would be a huge draw at Taronga, especially if they decided to construct aerial pathways like those at Auckland Zoo.

I personally would also love to see an Australasian zoo take on bonobo, as they are the only great apes I've never seen in person, although that seems a lot less likely.

 

[Tiger91]

It was mentioned on here last year that Taronga Zoo are considering an ape species for the site that will be redeveloped following the phase out of the elephants. This can really only be Bornean or Sumatran orangutan. Orangutans were in the zoo’s 2015 masterplan and one of the last items on the list, with several previous projects undertaken in the decade that’s followed.

Taronga could potentially phase out gorillas and focus on chimpanzees and orangutans, which are both major crowd-pullers. The orangutans are a great face for the modern zoo, with aerial pathways allowing them to traverse large areas beyond their exhibit.

With Orana Wildlife Park canning their plans to import a breeding troop of gorillas; and Adelaide Zoo removing gorillas from their plans, regional support for gorillas has weakened significantly. With Bornean orangutan now critically endangered and the face of the palm oil campaign, it ticks so many boxes for any zoo considering holding them.

The land is definitely there for them to develop the elephant facilities into a decently large orang exhibit. Especially with exhibit being multi level, right in the middle of the zoo and right across from the main food area. It would be quite engaging to be able to sit and watch orange on aerial pathways. It would be an especially large redevelopment right in the middle of the zoo. Possibly why we haven't seen any movement on plans for the congo forrest.

The gorillas area slated for congo forrest isn't attached to the main elephant exhibit. So there isn't any reason for the zoo to phase out gorillas. They only really wanted an expansion from what I understand for a growing troop. But there troop is smaller now with limited ability to grow in its current state. So it would make no logical sense to phase gorillas out. Especially since Taronga have long held chimp, gorillas and orangs.

 

[Jambo]

I think Orana are a likely destination considering their two males are now being housed separately. Taronga’s young males are now at an age where all three can transfer out and they’d probably have the best luck integrating them with Fuzu (2007).

From here, Taronga may opt to maintain a troop of 1.3 adults, with Mbeli breeding again in the future. The housing of her and Kibali’s sons in a bachelor troop effectively removes them from the breeding programme, so producing a third infant wouldn’t be overrepresenting this line in that regard. Kibali is a valuable male, so it’d be nice to see his genes continue. Another daughter from him would be ideal, following Fikiri’s passing.

I agree and considering the current exhibit size I don't see Taronga attempting to acquire further females to integrate with their troop.

Imo it might be beneficial if Taronga transfer their females to Mogo and Melbourne and then restart with females from overseas considering how valuable Kibali is on a global level.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree and considering the current exhibit size I don't see Taronga attempting to acquire further females to integrate with their troop.

Imo it might be beneficial if Taronga transfer their females to Mogo and Melbourne and then restart with females from overseas considering how valuable Kibali is on a global level.

That’s definitely an option. Mbeli’s parents, Kibabu and Mouila, are both well represented regionally and internationally and there’s surely more genetically valuable females out there that Kibali could be breeding with. It’d be nice to see the import of three unrelated females (perhaps an adult and two adolescents) to counter the inevitable favouritism of one female over the other.

I hope in the future, Dubbo or Monarto will exhibit gorillas. It’d be hugely beneficial to have another holder in the region. If Fataki can’t be reintegrated with Fuzu (or any other males that come Orana’s way), it leaves him in a precarious position. Considering housing gorillas on their own is deemed detrimental to their welfare, it could see him prioritised for housing with (imported) females should a new holder arise. Frala’s mother (wild born founder) is poorly represented compared to others like Mouila, so this adds to the argument of breeding from this line.