Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[Zoofan15]

Unfortunately he isnt on the older side either. But I agree having him as the silverback isnt ideal.

Due to his history, there’d undoubtedly be challenges around getting another zoo to accept him. Otana comes from a well represented line and there’s no shortage of socially well adjusted males of equivalent or greater genetic value.

Similarly, any zoo wishing to form a bachelor troop is going to be reluctant to take on a male that will likely need to be separated after failing to integrate.

It’s not unreasonable to assume Melbourne will have Otana for the rest of his life, which could easily be another 20 years.

 

[Pertinax]

Importing from overseas is a whole exercise as many of us know. In the possible case Otana rejects the females coming across, there would be a huge issue. Sending them back would not be advisable and regionally we don't have many back up options. There's plenty of things that would need to be considered; more than just the surface level.

I see no reason Otana would reject or be hostile toward normal, properly socialised females that deferred to him. I think a lot of the previous problems with him can be attributed to the situation; he came from a normal upbringing in a social group in Howletts/PL but at Melbourne was mixed with older and/or socially inept females he couldn't relate to, plus he was still young and in the 'stroppy' stage young silverbacks frequently go through. Now in his early twenties, he's likely to have mellowed to a degree I think. Maybe he deserves another chance though that largely depends on whether new females are brought in or not.

 

[Zoofan15]

I see no reason Otana would reject or be hostile toward normal, properly socialised females that deferred to him. I think a lot of the previous problems with him can be attributed to the situation; he came from a normal upbringing in a social group in Howletts/PL but at Melbourne was mixed with older and/or socially inept females he couldn't relate to, plus he was still young and in the 'stroppy' stage young silverbacks frequently go through. Now in his early twenties, he's likely to have mellowed to a degree I think. Maybe he deserves another chance though that largely depends on whether new females are brought in or not.

Within the region, I feel like Mbeli is the best bet. We often hear zoos talk of model silverbacks, but she’s the model female - mother raised and devoted to her current silverback.

While Otana has never been exemplary in his role, Kimya was similarly content to keep her distance. I feel like Mbeli would make more of an infant and would ultimately settle well into the Melbourne troop. I don’t doubt there’s similar young females in Europe, who’d also contribute positively to the culture of the troop.

 

[Jambo]

I see no reason Otana would reject or be hostile toward normal, properly socialised females. I think a lot of the previous problems with him can be attributed to the situation; he came a normal upbringing in a social group in Howletts/PL but at Melbourne was mixed with older and/or socially inept females he couldn't relate to, plus he was still young and in the 'stroppy' stage young silverbacks frequently go through. Now in his early twenties, he's likely to have mellowed to a degree I think. Maybe he deserves another chance though that largely depends on whether new females are brought in or not.

I agree and I totally see why Melbourne may have been a little cautious regarding this in the past. Having a repeat incident similar to Julia's would be tragic for obvious reasons.

Now, with the situation they're in Melbourne will have to finally make a move. Otana's keepers would know him best so would ultimately give advice as to whether they believe he can be given another chance with new females introduced to his troop.

 

[Jambo]

Within the region, I feel like Mbeli is the best bet. We often hear zoos talk of model silverbacks, but she’s the model female - mother raised and devoted to her current silverback.

While Otana has never been exemplary in his role, Kimya was similarly content to keep her distance. I feel like Mbeli would make more of an infant and would ultimately settle well into the Melbourne troop. I don’t doubt there’s similar young females in Europe, who’d also contribute positively to the culture of the troop.

Sending Kanzi away to Taronga and then acquiring Mbeli/Johari or even Mbeli/Frala might be the best bet. Introducing the two new females with each others support would be beneficial, especially with a silverback like Otana.

Johari's a socially compromised female as we know (Julia's daughter in fact) so considering she's already well settled in Taronga's troop I don't see why it wouldn't be best for her to remain. Frala on the other hand is an older, yet savvy female who's experienced and used to being an outsider. Being socially experienced, she might have a better chance with Otana than Johari.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sending Kanzi away to Taronga and then acquiring Mbeli/Johari or even Mbeli/Frala might be the best bet. Introducing the two new females with each others support would be beneficial, especially with a silverback like Otana.

Johari's a socially compromised female as we know (Julia's daughter in fact) so considering she's already well settled in Taronga's troop I don't see why it wouldn't be best for her to remain. Frala on the other hand is an older, yet savvy female who's experienced and used to being an outsider. Being socially experienced, she might have a better chance with Otana than Johari.

I’m a little more apprehensive about transferring Frala as a younger (cycling) female would be more appealing to Otana. Frala is on contraception; as is Johari, which had the desired effect of reducing Otana’s interest in her.

That’s not to say it couldn’t work. Frala made an effortless transition into Kibale’s troop (albeit cycling; and conceiving as soon as she was introduced); but Otana did accept Yuska, who lived on the periphery. Like you say, Frala and Mbeli would also have each other for support. They’re not overly close, but would undoubtedly defend each other against an overly aggressive silverback if the need arose.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Kimya (2005-2025)

Some very sad news from Melbourne Zoo:

Melbourne Zoo is devastated to announce the sudden passing of 20-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla, Kimya.

Kimya passed away unexpectedly this morning, and vets are undertaking a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

Kimya arrived at Melbourne Zoo from Taronga Conservation Society in 2013 and quickly bonded with 24-year-old male, Otana. In 2015, they became parents to Kanzi, the first gorilla born at Melbourne Zoo in 15 years.

Melbourne Zoo's primate keeping team remember Kimya as intelligent, observant and independent. She was a loving mother, who gently showed Kanzi all the skills she needed as a gorilla, whilst reminding visitors of the plight facing her species in the wild through campaigns such as They're Calling On You.

A firm favourite of members and visitors to Melbourne Zoo, our thoughts are with the whole team, and in particular her dedicated keepers, many of whom worked with Kimya for over a decade.

I am in absolute shock with this news, my heart goes out to all of her keepers and troop-mates.

 

[Zoofan15]

I am in absolute shock with this news, my heart goes out to all of her keepers and troop-mates.

Deaths of Gorillas by Age in Australasian Zoos

We all are. Though not unheard of, gorilla deaths in their 20’s are statistically uncommon compared to other age brackets and in fact, this is the first time since 1977 that a gorilla in their 20’s has died in an Australasian zoo.

The loss of Fikiri (2019) was similarly the first death of a juvenile in Australasia since 1972.

Refer below for information on previous deaths at Taronga; with other deaths as follows;

Melbourne Zoo: Buluman at 40 years; Betsy at 50 years; Rigo at 42 years; Julia at 33 years; and Yuska at 51 years.

Orana Wildlife Park: Mahali at 12 years.

Mogo Wildlife Park: Kibabu at 41 years; and Mouila at 43 years.

History of Gorillas at Taronga

1950’s:

In 1953, a failed attempt by Taronga Zoo to import gorillas was detailed in which a game hunter spent a year capturing eight young gorillas in West Africa. Australian biosecurity regulations dictated the gorillas must spend three months in a non native country due to the risks of yellow fever. The eight gorillas were quarantined in the Canary Islands, but the seven month wait for a ship caused them to die of ill health (brought on by the climate).

The first gorilla in Australasia was imported by Taronga Zoo 08/06/1959. He was a male named King Kong, who was estimated to have been born 1951 in the wild.

1960’s:

Taronga Zoo imported two gorillas (one male and one female) 18/08/1960. They were named George Kong (1958) and Mary Kong (1957).

Taronga Zoo imported five young gorillas (two males and three females) 18/10/1961. They were all wild caught in Cameroon. One of the females died shortly after on 11/11/1961. The remaining four were named Little John (1958), Buluman (1958), Annabella (1958) and Betsy (1959).

King Kong died at Taronga Zoo 29/10/1968 from chronic pancreatitis.

1970’s:

Little John died at Taronga Zoo 09/06/1972 from intestinal and glomerular nephritis.

Mary Kong died at Taronga Zoo 02/01/1974 from chronic nephritis. Her right leg had been amputated the previous month after becoming ulcerated.

Anabella died at Taronga Zoo 13/09/1977 from unknown causes.

George Kong died at Taronga Zoo 04/10/1977 from aspiration of vomitus.

1980’s:

Taronga Zoo phase out gorillas with the transfer of Buluman and Betsy to Melbourne Zoo 15/10/1980. An agreement was made between the zoos that Melbourne would focus on gorillas; while Taronga would focus on chimpanzees. This was based on the recognition that reproductive success was enhanced by keeping them in groups rather than pairs.

1990’s:

Taronga Zoo imported a troop of ten gorillas from Apenheul Primate Park 06/12/1996. They were named Kibabu (25/05/1977), Mouila (1972), Kriba (09/08/1979), Frala (20/06/1981), Shinda (14/06/1991), Kijivu (18/03/1993), Haoko (21/08/1993), Anguka (28/10/1994), Safiri (06/07/1996) and Shabani (20/10/1996).

Kibabu and Frala produced a male infant at Taronga Zoo 07/03/1998. The infant died 30/03/1998.

Kibabu and Frala produce a female infant at Taronga Zoo 25/06/1999. The infant died 26/06/1999.

2000’s:

Taronga Zoo exported Shinda and Kijivu to Prague Zoo 04/09/2001.

Kibabu and Mouila produced a female infant named Mbeli at Taronga Zoo 05/02/2003.

Kibabu and Frala produced a male infant named Fataki at Taronga Zoo 24/05/2003.

Kibabu and Kriba produced a female infant named Kimya at Taronga Zoo 07/01/2005.

Taronga Zoo transfered Anguka and Safiri to Adelaide Zoo 06/03/2006 for a one year stay, making them the third regional holder.

Taronga Zoo exported Haoko to Ueno Zoo 27/06/2007.

Taronga Zoo exported Shabani to Higashiyama Zoo 27/06/2007.

Kibabu and Frala produced a male infant named Fuzu at Taronga Zoo 08/12/2007.

Kibabu and Mouila produced a male infant named Mahali at Taronga Zoo 18/08/2008.

2010’s:

Taronga Zoo transferred Mbeli to Melbourne Zoo 28/10/2010.

Kibabu and Kriba produced a female infant named Kipenzi at Taronga Zoo 14/01/2011.

Taronga Zoo imported a male gorilla from La Vallée des Singes 24/01/2012. He was named Kibali (25/01/2001) and was captive born at La Vallée des Singes.

Taronga Zoo transferred Kibabu, Mouila, Kriba, Mahali and Kipenzi to Mogo Zoo 20/08/2013, making them the fourth regional holder (fifth historical).

Melbourne Zoo transferred Mbeli and Johari to Taronga Zoo 19/09/2013.

Taronga Zoo transferred Kimya to Melbourne Zoo 10/10/2013.

Kibali and Mbeli produced a male infant named Mjukuu at Taronga Zoo 30/10/2014.

Kibali and Frala produced a male infant named Fabumi at Taronga Zoo 13/05/2015.

Taronga Zoo exported Fataki, Fuzu and Mahali to Orana Wildlife Park 18/06/2015, making them the fifth regional holder (sixth historical). Mahali had been transferred from Mogo to Taronga prior to the export.

Kibali and Mbeli produced a male infant named Mwamba at Taronga Zoo 01/09/2017.

Kibali and Frala produced a female infant named Fikiri at Taronga Zoo 06/06/2019.

2020’s:

Fikiri died at Taronga Zoo in 2023.

 

[Jambo]

In Melbourne's history specifically they've only ever held fifteen gorilla. Which is a surprising number considering they've held gorillas since 1973 (53 consecutive years now).

Out of those fifteen gorillas, seven were born at Melbourne (four males and three females). Six have since been exported, with the only one of the offspring born at Melbourne (Kanzi) still remaining.

Out of the other eight gorillas who were acquired from other facilities during the 53 year period, only one was exported elsewhere (G Ann to Mogo in 2016). Otana still remains at Melbourne, so that leaves only six gorillas that have died at Melbourne during the zoo's history;

Buluman (1958 - 30/03/1998) Aged 39 years - euthanised 'old age'
Betsy (1957 - 06/11/2007) Aged 50 years - euthanised 'old age'
Rigo (1970 - 18/07/2013) Aged 43 years - heart failure
Julia (1982 - 24/05/2015) Aged 33 years - injuries sustained from altercation
Yuska (1971 - 25/08/2022) Aged 51 years - euthanised 'old age'
Kimya (07/01/2005 - 15/02/2025) Aged 20 years

As you can see, in the past Melbourne have only lost gorillas at older ages due to mostly age related illnesses (with the exception of Julia). Kimya's passing is definitely a first in that she passed at a relatively youthful age.

 

[Zorro]

In Melbourne's history specifically they've only ever held fifteen gorilla. Which is a surprising number considering they've held gorillas since 1973 (53 consecutive years now).

Out of those fifteen gorillas, seven were born at Melbourne (four males and three females). Six have since been exported, with the only offspring born at Melbourne (Kanzi) still remaining.

Out of the other eight gorillas who were acquired from other facilities during the 53 year period, only one was exported elsewhere (G Ann to Mogo in 2016). Otana still remains at Melbourne, so that leaves only six gorillas that have died at Melbourne during the zoo's history;

Buluman (1958 - 30/03/1998) Aged 39 years - euthanised 'old age'
Betsy (1957 - 06/11/2007) Aged 50 years - euthanised 'old age'
Rigo (1970 - 18/07/2013) Aged 43 years - heart failure
Julia (1982 - 24/05/2015) Aged 33 years - injuries sustained from altercation
Yuska (1971 - 25/08/2022) Aged 51 years - euthanised 'old age'
Kimya (07/01/2005 - 15/02/2025) Aged 20 years

As you can see, in the past Melbourne have only lost gorillas at older ages due to mostly age related illnesses (with the exception of Julia). Kimya's passing is definitely a first in that she at a relatively youthful age.

@Jambo Would it be fair to say that if Melbourne had export less and retained half of what was exported it would not be in the position it is in currently?

 

[Swanson02]

Melbourne have certainly had the space, but bear in mind that Otana began by heading up a troop of three females, two who were designated as non-breeding from the outset. That straight away limited the output of their troop compared to Taronga, who had two successful breeders; and a third young female they attempted (unsuccessfully) to breed from.

I agree what Melbourne really needed was adolescent or young adult females to join there troop. This would have ensured a cohort of young and gave options for creating a bachelor troop with Otana; supplying other zoos with young females etc.

Why didn't Taronga breed Kimya and Otana again after Kanzi? Is there any reason?

 

[Zoofan15]

In Melbourne's history specifically they've only ever held fifteen gorilla. Which is a surprising number considering they've held gorillas since 1973 (53 consecutive years now).

Out of those fifteen gorillas, seven were born at Melbourne (four males and three females). Six have since been exported, with the only one of the offspring born at Melbourne (Kanzi) still remaining.

Out of the other eight gorillas who were acquired from other facilities during the 53 year period, only one was exported elsewhere (G Ann to Mogo in 2016). Otana still remains at Melbourne, so that leaves only six gorillas that have died at Melbourne during the zoo's history;

Buluman (1958 - 30/03/1998) Aged 39 years - euthanised 'old age'
Betsy (1957 - 06/11/2007) Aged 50 years - euthanised 'old age'
Rigo (1970 - 18/07/2013) Aged 43 years - heart failure
Julia (1982 - 24/05/2015) Aged 33 years - injuries sustained from altercation
Yuska (1971 - 25/08/2022) Aged 51 years - euthanised 'old age'
Kimya (07/01/2005 - 15/02/2025) Aged 20 years

As you can see, in the past Melbourne have only lost gorillas at older ages due to mostly age related illnesses (with the exception of Julia). Kimya's passing is definitely a first in that she passed at a relatively youthful age.

It’s also worth noting that regionally, the infant mortality rate is relatively low.

Melbourne Zoo has had seven births, of which all survived to the age of ten years.

Taronga Zoo has had 12 births, of which only two died the month they were born and one died as juvenile.

 

[Zoofan15]

Why didn't Taronga breed Kimya and Otana again after Kanzi? Is there any reason?

I was told by a gorilla keeper at Melbourne Zoo it was due to the genetic representation of Orana and Kimya. Although I note that Kimya’s full sister Kipenzi has bred twice now at Mogo, this was with Kisane, who is a more genetically valuable male.

It’s also a possibility that a contributing factor was Otana’s behaviour i.e. protectiveness of Kanzi, which manifested in aggression towards Julia. It’s a possibility this could have been repeated (this time directed towards the elderly Yuska) should a second infant have been born.

 

[Jambo]

Why didn't Taronga breed Kimya and Otana again after Kanzi? Is there any reason?

I would recommend going back to post #471 of mine which may perhaps present the reason as to why the decision was made not to re-pair Otana and Kimya.

@Jambo Would it be fair to say that if Melbourne had export less and retained half of what was exported it would not be in the position it is in currently?

The amount of males they had born wouldn't have helped. The four males all would have had to have been exported/rehomed anyway.

Now looking back, it would've been preferable if Melbourne at least retained their female born offspring; but both were sent away for perfectly valid reasons.

Bambuti, because she was reaching reproductive age and her father was still leading the troop (he would end up being moved out a few years later).

And Johari was simply sent up to Taronga to help balance up numbers; Melbourne had five adult females when Mbeli and Johari were both still at Melbourne.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would recommend going back to post #471 of mine which may perhaps present the reason as to why the decision was made not to re-pair Otana and Kimya.

The amount of males they had born wouldn't have helped. The four males all would have had to have been exported/rehomed anyway.

Now looking back, it would've been preferable if Melbourne at least retained their female born offspring; but both were sent away for perfectly valid reasons.

Bambuti, because she was reaching reproductive age and her father was still leading the troop (he would end up being moved out a few years later).

And Johari was simply sent up to Taronga to help balance up numbers; Melbourne had five adult females when Mbeli and Johari were both still at Melbourne.

I would furthermore add that of the three Melbourne gorilla infants which were female, two of which were transferred out, one is behavioural non-breeder and the other has failed to produce surviving offspring in the Jersey troop.

The greatest loss to Melbourne Zoo was that of Mbeli, who was returned to Taronga. As I mentioned yesterday, she was a model female who has assimilated effortlessly into both Melbourne and Taronga’s troops.

G-Anne was another female transferred out; but conversely no great loss demographically speaking given her inability to raise offspring - and a necessary removal due to Otana’s intolerance of her.

 

[Jambo]

I would furthermore that of the three Melbourne gorilla infants which were female, two of which were transferred out, one is behavioural non-breeder and the other has failed to produce surviving offspring in the Jersey troop.

The greatest loss to Melbourne Zoo was that of Mbeli, who was returned to Taronga. As I mentioned yesterday, she was a model female who has assimilated effortlessly into both Melbourne and Taronga’s troops.

G-Anne was another female transferred out; but conversely no great loss demographically speaking given her inability to raise offspring - and a necessary removal due to Otana’s intolerance of her.

Melbourne probably wouldn't have much to say in the situation of Mbeli. Kimya had been paired up in a 1.1 pairing with Otana and wasn't doing too well so it was important she was moved into another situation. Swapping her for Mbeli/Johari made the most sense at the time as it allowed the gender ratio to temporarily balance out more in Taronga's troop and Melbourne were pushing capacity anyhow (and wanted to breed more). So it was a win win for both facilities at the time.

They didn't have any choice with G Ann too. She was effectively rejected by Otana after being removed from the group for a few hours for a routine medical procedure. Knowing what happened to Julia the year before, Melbourne didn't want to take any risks and luckily Mogo offered to take her on.

 

[Zoofan15]

Melbourne probably wouldn't have much to say in the situation of Mbeli. Kimya had been paired up in a 1.1 pairing with Otana and wasn't doing too well so it was important she was moved into another situation. Swapping her for Mbeli/Johari made the most sense at the time as it allowed the gender ratio to temporarily balance out more in Taronga's troop and Melbourne were pushing capacity anyhow (and wanted to breed more). So it was a win win for both facilities at the time.

They didn't have any choice with G Ann too. She was effectively rejected by Otana after being removed from the group for a few hours for a routine medical procedure. Knowing what happened to Julia the year before, Melbourne didn't want to take any risks and luckily Mogo offered to take her on.

The transfers ultimately worked out to give Taronga and Melbourne each an adolescent/young adult mother raised female, that gave them each the best chance of establishing a breeding troop with their respective imported silverbacks. At that point, Johari’s inability to breed with males was likely suspected; but not confirmed.

Taronga’s newly formed troop had the bonus of Frala. She made the adjustment to living with a young silverback with ease and produced two infants despite her advancing age.

Mogo have now had two great silverbacks. G-Anne was first accepted by Kibabu, who due to his age/experience was assessed as a safer option for a behaviourally abnormal female than a younger male; but even Kisane has accepted her back in within the last year (along with Kaius). I really hope Mogo can acquire a new female in time, despite their previous recommendation getting overturned.

 

[Jambo]

The transfers ultimately worked out to give Taronga and Melbourne each an adolescent/young adult mother raised female, that gave them each the best chance of establishing a breeding troop with their respective imported silverbacks. At that point, Johari’s inability to breed with males was likely suspected; but not confirmed.

Taronga’s newly formed troop had the bonus of Frala. She made the adjustment to living with a young silverback with ease and produced two infants despite her advancing age.

Mogo have now had two great silverbacks. G-Anne was first accepted by Kibabu, who due to his age/experience was assessed as a safer option for a behaviourally abnormal female than a younger male; but even Kisane has accepted her back in within the last year (along with Kaius). I really hope Mogo can acquire a new female in time, despite their previous recommendation getting overturned.

Effectively Taronga's program in the 2000's produced three surviving females; Mbeli (2003), Kimya (2005) and Kipenzi (2011) all of whom would be strategically placed at the three regional breeding facilities to allow the facilities to all have at least one of these prime aged, mother raised females each.

Taronga luckily also had the fortune of Frala conceiving (twice!) and I know Mogo planned to breed from Kriba too, but unfortunately that didn't eventuate likely due to her age.

It's not hard to assume if Fikiri had survived she would have had application regionally breeding (likely at Melbourne).

Another interesting note is that our region has seemingly been heavily dominated by male births; out of the eighteen surviving offspring born thus far (discounting the recent offspring born at Mogo), just six have been female. That's effectively a one in three chance of getting a female infant.

 

[Zoofan15]

Effectively Taronga's program in the 2000's produced three surviving females; Mbeli (2003), Kimya (2005) and Kipenzi (2011) all of whom would be strategically placed at the three regional breeding facilities to allow the facilities to all have at least one of these prime aged, mother raised females each.

Taronga luckily also had the fortune of Frala conceiving (twice!) and I know Mogo planned to breed from Kriba too, but unfortunately that didn't eventuate likely due to her age.

It's not hard to assume if Fikiri had survived she would have had application regionally breeding (likely at Melbourne).

Another interesting note is that our region has seemingly been heavily dominated by male births; out of the eighteen surviving offspring born thus far (discounting the recent offspring born at Mogo), just six have been female. That's effectively a one in three chance of getting a female infant.

These are the genders of the respective offspring of Australasia’s silverback gorillas:

Rigo: 1.0 in Australasia
Kibabu: 4.5 in Europe; 4.4 in Australasia
Motaba: 3.2 in Australasia
Kibale: 3.1 in Australasia
Otana: 0.1 in Australasia
Kisane: 1.0 Australasia (plus one unconfirmed)

Kibabu had a relatively even distribution of offspring; with Kriba notably giving birth to five offspring, all female and all surviving. Her three oldest daughters have bred well in Europe; with Kijivu and Safiri making the journey back after emigrating to Australia from the Netherlands in 1996 (potentially with a designation at that point).

It’s ironic the only silverback to sire 100% female offspring (albeit with a small sample size of one) is Otana, who’s the one silverback sons would have been beneficial in terms of transitioning him into a bachelor troop.

 

[Jambo]

These are the genders of the respective offspring of Australasia’s silverback gorillas:

Rigo: 1.0 in Australasia
Kibabu: 4.5 in Europe; 4.4 in Australasia
Motaba: 3.2 in Australasia
Kibale: 3.1 in Australasia
Otana: 0.1 in Australasia
Kisane: 1.0 Australasia (plus one unconfirmed)

Kibabu had a relatively even distribution of offspring; with Kriba notably giving birth to five offspring, all female and all surviving. Her three oldest daughters have bred well in Europe; with Kijivu and Safiri making the journey back after emigrating to Australia from the Netherlands in 1996 (potentially with a designation at that point).

It’s ironic the only silverback to sire 100% female offspring (albeit with a small sample size of one) is Otana, who’s the one silverback sons would have been beneficial in terms of transitioning him into a bachelor troop.

Otana too comes from a predominantly male producing troop at Howletts so I do wonder (in the event he's allowed more offspring in the future) whether they would indeed be a male discrepancy. As you mention Kriba herself produced a lot of daughters yet her offspring have respectively produced far more males than females.

On Safiri, I was surprised to see her stark resemblance to Kimya:

Yes they are full sisters but it's really intriguing that these two look similar (and a lot different to the other siblings and their parents).

Interestingly I also recently saw a photo of Tamani (one of Frala's sisters) who seems to have the same habit as Kimya did (holding her left arm up to her ear). I used to think this may have been something Kimya learnt from Kriba but I do wonder if it has it's origins somewhere in the Apenhaul troop.