Mogo Wildlife Park Mogo Zoo News

[Zoofan15]

agreed… there has been many successfully hand reared primates integrated back into family groups when done the right way!! Chad’s decision to hand rear Kaius has proved successful and worthwhile for this incredible species!!

The true test would be whether he develops into a social competent silverback capable of leading his own troop; but considering he’s not genetically valuable, living cohesively with other males in a bachelor troop long term in a perfectly acceptable outcome - and in my opinion, the most likely. For that reason, I’m hoping the new infant is a male.

 

[Jambo]

The true test would be whether he develops into a social competent silverback capable of leading his own troop; but considering he’s not genetically valuable, living cohesively with other males in a bachelor troop long term in a perfectly acceptable outcome - and in my opinion, the most likely. For that reason, I’m hoping the new infant is a male.

Kisane is actually quite valuable! On his paternal side and his maternal grandmother's side especially.

Out of all three current breeding males regionally he probably has the most value breeding wise; hence the repeat recommendation given to him and Kipenzi.

On his maternal side:

His maternal grandmother (Sounda) is wild born and only has three surviving offspring and four surviving grandchildren (including Kisane). And Kisane is the only one to have produced offspring out of the grand children thus far.

On his paternal side both his grandparents are wild born:

His paternal grand mother has two surviving sons. Only one has bred (Kisane's father), who has eight offspring. Again, Kisane is the only individual to have bred thus far.

His paternal grand father has fifteen offspring. Only two have bred, including Kisane's father, producing nine surviving grandchildren in total (eight of which are too Kisane's father). Out of them all, again Kisane is the only too have bred thus far.

 

[Pertinax]

Zookeeper Chad has stated this too - the family had effectively abandoned him due to them attributing his presence or arrival to the danger that was imposed on Kipenzi during and following the birth.

So it wasn't necessarily her fault; this can be common with mothers (especially first time mothers) in that situation. It's really positive to see her successfully mothering this infant this time around.

I think mothering ability doesn't come in to it when the birth is traumatic in some way- the female is in shock and her natural instincts just fail to kick in.

I think in this case a lot of the critisism that was rained down on the protracted hand-rearing came from the USA where surrogacy is commonplace with gorillas nowadays and as early in the baby's life as possible. But as I pointed out a few times, the Australian population is so small it doesn't have experience of this but more to the point, it lacks a wide selection of gorilla groups from which a proven surrogate female can be drawn or becomes available. Even in the States with so many groups they have to search extensively to find a suitable female. In this case I don't think there was a lot of option, though in hindsight Kriba would probably have stepped up though they couldn't know that early on. I doubt his time in human care will have damaged Kaius socially now he has been integrated in the group again.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think mothering ability doesn't come in to it when the birth is traumatic in some way- the female is in shock and her natural instincts just fail to kick in.

I think in this case a lot of the critisism that was rained down on the protracted hand-rearing came from the USA where surrogacy is commonplace with gorillas nowadays and as early in the baby's life as possible. But as I pointed out a few times, the Australian population is so small it doesn't have experience of this but more to the point, it lacks a wide selection of gorilla groups from which a proven surrogate female can be drawn or becomes available. Even in the States with so many groups they have to search entensively to find a suitable female. In this case I don't think there was a lot of option, though in hindsight Kriba would probably have stepped up though they couldn't know that early on. I doubt his time in human care will have damaged Kaius socially now he has been integrated in the group again.

That’s a fair point. I’ve seen this in chimpanzees, case in point, Sally (1985) - who is regarded as one of the region’s best mothers. She suffered from a prolapsed uterus following the birth of an infant in 2005, subsequently rejecting it.

I recall you being of the opinion that they should breed from Kipenzi regardless of whether she had witnessed the birth/raising of an infant; and the the successful raising of her second infant confirms that she does indeed have the innate capability to raise offspring.

 

[Pertinax]

That’s a fair point. I’ve seen this in chimpanzees, case in point, Sally (1985) - who is regarded as one of the region’s best mothers. She suffered from a prolapsed uterus following the birth of an infant in 2005, subsequently rejecting it.

I recall you being of the opinion that they should breed from Kipenzi regardless of whether she had witnessed the birth/raising of an infant; and the the successful raising of her second infant confirms that she does indeed have the innate capability to raise offspring.

The Bristol female Kera had to have a caesarian following complications and unsurprisingly rejected her infant, who was later surrogated by another female(Romina) in the group- it was the first gorilla surrogacy in the UK. Kera didn't breed again as she was desocialised having been handreared, and would not connect with the silverback- her only infant had been fathered by the silverback's blackback son who had since left the zoo. But Kera later 'helped' to surrogate the abandoned infant of another female in the group, showing her maternal instinct was there after all.

We are seeing cases of females in groups taking over the complete responsibility of babies that have lost their own mothers too. In Europe two zoos, Apenheul and Gaia Park currently have babies that were adopted or taken over by another female (without removal from the group) after their own mother died. Possibly it happens in wild groups as well.

 

[Steve Robinson]

I think in this case a lot of the critisism that was rained down on the protracted hand-rearing came from the USA where surrogacy is commonplace with gorillas nowadays and as early in the baby's life as possible.

And a large amount from Europe also - to the extent that a recommendation to transfer a female to Mogo was overturned by the EEP as a result.

In this region Chad had to stand firm against a "suggestion" to euthanise Kaius and eventually had to appeal to the state government Minister to be allowed to achieve this great result.

Not a bad effort from a so-called media tart!

 

[Steve Robinson]

The true test would be whether he develops into a social competent silverback capable of leading his own troop.

Well he's passed a few true tests already so the odds are on his side!

That would be the ultimate goal of course - if not in this region then elsewhere. And a level of inbreeding is going to have to become more acceptable for this species going forward so he may get that chance one day.

However, even in a bachelor group, his presence will be a living testament to the expertise, skill and compassion of human carers.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think mothering ability doesn't come in to it when the birth is traumatic in some way- the female is in shock and her natural instincts just fail to kick in.

I think in this case a lot of the critisism that was rained down on the protracted hand-rearing came from the USA where surrogacy is commonplace with gorillas nowadays and as early in the baby's life as possible. But as I pointed out a few times, the Australian population is so small it doesn't have experience of this but more to the point, it lacks a wide selection of gorilla groups from which a proven surrogate female can be drawn or becomes available. Even in the States with so many groups they have to search extensively to find a suitable female. In this case I don't think there was a lot of option, though in hindsight Kriba would probably have stepped up though they couldn't know that early on. I doubt his time in human care will have damaged Kaius socially now he has been integrated in the group again.

It is indeed unfortunate that due to the comparatively small population size that surrogacy is rarely an option at the lactating stage in Australasian zoos. The full contact sessions with Kaius subsequently couldn’t begin until he was mobile and capable of independently approaching his keepers at the mesh.

Even amongst chimpanzees (larger population size), surrogacy is an uncommon phenomenon even within the natal troop; to my knowledge occurring only once in recent decades with Zombi at Monarto attempting to rear Soona’s ill-fated infant following her death in childbirth.

As a side note, the event of two concurrent Sumatran tiger pregnancies in New Zealand zoo was a rare and unprecedented event last year. I asked keepers if consideration had been given to surrogacy in the case of rejection of one of the litters and they confirmed it has. For the most part unplanned and circumstantial given one pair was a first time breeder (with no guarantee of a successful mating); and the other had an unsuccessful litter the previous year.

And a large amount from Europe also - to the extent that a recommendation to transfer a female to Mogo was overturned by the EEP as a result.

Thanks for sharing this piece of information. Very regrettable given how an additional female would have enhanced the troop’s dynamics.

 

[Jambo]

And a large amount from Europe also - to the extent that a recommendation to transfer a female to Mogo was overturned by the EEP as a result.

Thanks for the insight Steve.

I'm curious as to whether the whole intention of this transfer was to provide Kaius with surrogate as you seem to imply?

It's rare to have the EEP overturn a decision unless it was in fact the regional coordinator who made the decision and the transfer was planned with a female regionally.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Thanks for the insight Steve.

I'm curious as to whether the whole intention of this transfer was to provide Kaius with surrogate as you seem to imply?

It's rare to have the EEP overturn a decision unless it was in fact the regional coordinator who made the decision and the transfer was planned with a female regionally.

Sorry if I implied that. That was far from the case as the recommendation had been made before his birth.

The rarity of the EEP overturning their decision is further evidence of the strength of the campaign against Chad's decision at the time.

 

[Zoofan15]

Sorry if I implied that. That was far from the case as the recommendation had been made before his birth.

The rarity of the EEP overturning their decision is further evidence of the strength of the campaign against Chad's decision at the time.

That’s shocking to hear and seems unfair when you consider it’s clear Chad made a judgement call that resulted in the successful reintroduction of the infant to the troop (albeit acknowledging it was a risk that might not have paid off).

Wellington Zoo euthanised an otherwise healthy newborn chimpanzee infant in 2005 after it was rejected by its mother, stating it was against their policy to hand raise great apes. Though it appeared harsh, I acknowledge the reality that hand raised great apes that miss out on invaluable socialisation at a young age can have lifelong consequences for those left to care for them. Chimpanzees for example can live for 60 years and having a socially maladjusted individual can potentially become a hassle for all involved. Koko at Taronga was an example of this, aggressive to fellow chimpanzees; and even attacking a juvenile of another female - which was highly abnormal behaviour.

 

[Swanson02]

That’s shocking to hear and seems unfair when you consider it’s clear Chad made a judgement call that resulted in the successful reintroduction of the infant to the troop (albeit acknowledging it was a risk that might not have paid off).

Wellington Zoo euthanised an otherwise healthy newborn chimpanzee infant in 2005 after it was rejected by its mother, stating it was against their policy to hand raise great apes. Though it appeared harsh, I acknowledge the reality that hand raised great apes that miss out on invaluable socialisation at a young age can have lifelong consequences for those left to care for them. Chimpanzees for example can live for 60 years and having a socially maladjusted individual can potentially become a hassle for all involved. Koko at Taronga was an example of this, aggressive to fellow chimpanzees; and even attacking a juvenile of another female - which was highly abnormal behaviour.

I'm starting to realise how far Chad stuck his head out with the decision to raise Kaius and how well its starting to pay off. Truly amazing work, him and the team deserve some kind of recognition!

Saying that out of the two species are Gorillas or Chimps harder to integrate back into a troop once they have been hand raised? Or is it hit and miss with both?
I assume Orangutans would be the easiest out of all the Great Apes due to their more solitary nature? Do we have any hand raised orangutans in the region?

 

[Zoofan15]

I'm starting to realise how far Chad stuck his head out with the decision to raise Kaius and how well its starting to pay off. Truly amazing work, him and the team deserve some kind of recognition!

Saying that out of the two species are Gorillas or Chimps harder to integrate back into a troop once they have been hand raised? Or is it hit and miss with both?
I assume Orangutans would be the easiest out of all the Great Apes due to their more solitary nature? Do we have any hand raised orangutans in the region?

I would undoubtably say chimpanzees are the hardest. Even within communities, infanticide can occur between females (where higher ranking females target offspring of lower ranking females). Males present an even greater risk if they perceive the infant to be unrelated/from a rival troop. This was the case for a female at Auckland Zoo, who arrived with her three month offering in tow that was killed by the male, who had previously lived with the mother at their birthplace at Taronga - but otherwise was of no relation to her infant.

Orangutans are the easiest by far, with most males tolerant of infants irregardless of whether they’re the sire. This was evidenced by Auckland Zoo having two adult males in the 90’s who rotated access to a female and offspring group, with the offspring sired by one of the adult males (but of no relation to the other). Perth Zoo hand raised countless infants back in the 1970’s, but due to the number bred at the zoo, they were effectively peer raised.

Gorillas I would place as inbetween. Overseas at London Zoo, a new silverback killed the infant of the previous breeding male during an introduction. Conversely Buluman at Melbourne was a role model to young infants sired by the young male from Jersey. Presumably his hand-raised background (he arrived at Taronga as an infant) contributed to his docile nature, which is by no means typical of a mother raised silverback.

 

[Pertinax]

Gorillas I would place as inbetween. Overseas at London Zoo, a new silverback killed the infant of the previous breeding male during an introduction. Conversely Buluman at Melbourne was a role model to young infants sired by the young male from Jersey. Presumably his hand-raised background (he arrived at Taronga as an infant) contributed to his docile nature, which is by no means typical of a mother raised silverback.

Yes, infanticide by an incoming male is the more normal behaviour. Its atypical for a male to accept small infants belonging to a previous male. Those that do are usually the very gentle desocialised ones that are not 'full' group leaders, sometimes they fail to even dominate the females. In Europe nowadays the danger from an incoming male to existing babies is fully recognised and if a male dies and there are babies in the group, a fresh male is not brought in until they are several years old.

 

[Pertinax]

That’s shocking to hear and seems unfair when you consider it’s clear Chad made a judgement call that resulted in the successful reintroduction of the infant to the troop (albeit acknowledging it was a risk that might not have paid off).

It is bad to hear the negative publicity had such serious ramifications. I think where it went a bit wrong was the focus so much on the keeper and his charge. If the videos had focused more on a potential reintroduction, perhaps showing Kaius being shown the other gorillas through the mesh more often, the critisism would have been less, a lot of folk mistakenly assumed this was an 'ego trip'. Even when Kaius was with G.anne we hardly ever saw them together, though I suspect that was because she largely ignored him (!).

I would like to know how the reintroduction was finally achieved. Who did they try him with first, or was it with the whole group? It seemed very sudden, perhaps a lot quicker than they expected.

 

[Pertinax]

I recall reading of a tragic incident involving Jambo at Jersey Zoo (an otherwise model silverback) who fatally injured his infant daughter in 1981. I understand the mother N’Pongo was housed separately due to only accepting Jambo when she was in estrus, so I don’t believe it was ever established whether her hostile reaction to Jambo when he unexpectedly entered her den incited a scuffle that led to the infant getting inadvertently injured; or whether he targeted the infant, not believing it to be his.

Jambo didn't really 'like' Npongo- she was handraised and humanised and didn't know how to defer to him. He would also tease her to get a hostile reaction from her. Amazingly they still mated though as all their infants testify. I used to think the accident with that baby (Kumi) was because Jambo killed it when the pair were allowed together -by human error (wrong switch on electric door). It was such a tragedy, even more as it was a female baby, and always kept a bit 'hush'. But the head keeper in his book about Jambo later stated that what happened was that Jambo and N'Pongo started fighting. In the scuffle, the baby, which was on Npongo's back, was thrown into the air and killed by impact with the floor. Jambo then briefly carried it in his mouth in the excitement, but was not actually involved in her death, or at least that is the way it is told there.

 

[Zoofan15]

It is bad to hear the negative publicity had such serious ramifications. I think where it went a bit wrong was the focus so much on the keeper and his charge. If the videos had focused more reintroduction, perhaps showing Kaius being shown the other gorillas through the mesh more often, the critisism would have been less, a lot of folk mistakenly assumed this was an 'ego trip'. Even when Kaius was with G.anne we hardly ever saw them together, though I suspect that was because she largely ignored him (!).

I would like to know how the reintroduction was finally achieved. Who did they try him with first, or was it with the whole group? It seemed very sudden, perhaps a lot quicker than they expected.

I agree. A plethora of cute baby gorilla videos may have hit the algorithm on socials, but I would have been more interested in hearing about the introduction progress. Even when there was videos of Kaius by the mesh in view of his family, little context was provided on who from his natal troop was interacting with him.

Similarly, there was an announcement he’d be meeting his family step by step over the coming weeks; and a day or two later they were all together. I’m not sure if coverage of the introduction was delayed; or whether it honestly happened that fast. If signs were positive, it’s certainly a possibility.

 

[Pertinax]

Jambo didn't really 'like' Npongo- she was handraised and humanised and didn't know how to defer to him. He would also tease her to get a hostile reation from her. Amazingly they still mated though as all their infants testify. I used to think the accident with that baby (Kumi) was because Jambo killed it when the pair were allowed together -by human error (wrong switch on electric door). It was such a tragedy, even more as it was a female baby, and always kept a bit 'hush'. But the head keeper in his book about Jambo later stated that what happened was that Jambo and N'Pongo started fighting. In the scuffle, the baby, which was on Npongo's back, was thrown into the air and killed by impact with the floor. Jambo then briefly carried it in his mouth in the excitement, but was not actually involved in her death, or at least that is the why it is told there.

Interesting to note Jambo's favourite was the other female Nandi (Motaba's mother) She also came into captivity as a very young animal but unlike Npongo, was nervous and suspicious of humans. She had retained her wildness it seems and grew up as a normal socialised female. Nandi would follow Jambo everywhere and he shared his indoor quarters with her, something not possible with Npongo.

 

[Jambo]

Even when Kaius was with G.anne we hardly ever saw them together, though I suspect that was because she largely ignored him (!).

I would like to know how the reintroduction was finally achieved. Who did they try him with first, or was it with the whole group? It seemed very sudden, perhaps a lot quicker than they expected.

I wouldn't be surprised if she did. She showed little interest in her own son, Ganyeka who was effectively hand raised/peer raised. Betsy was more of a mother figure to Ganyeka (and all the other infants)!

I believe it was grandma Kriba who was introduced first. She showed the most interest in Kaius through the mesh initially. From there it would've likely been Kipenzi (and then Kisane). Kriba's effectively taken on the mother role of young Kaius with Kipenzi acting as more of an 'older sister' so to speak.

 

[Pertinax]

For that reason, I’m hoping the new infant is a male.

From the videos I now think its a female...