Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[Zoofan15]

The future of Mogo’s troop (discussion):

Mogo Zoo have a strong tradition of maintaining family lines - from their giraffe herd to their lion prides, so it’d come as no surprise to me to see Kipenzi’s new female infant retained long term to contribute to the succession of her natal troop:

If two more breeding recommendations follow for Kisane and Kipenzi, then Kisane and his sons (assuming at least one of the infants is male) could then transition into a bachelor troop (living at Mogo); with Kipenzi and her daughter/s being the foundation of a new breeding troop a decade from now (with a new male brought in). G-Anne and Kriba will inevitably pass within the above timeframe.

Alternatively, a new female could be imported within that decade - with her and Kipenzi having 2-3 infants between them in the coming years. Assuming at least one of those infants was male would enable Kisane and his sons to transition into a breeding troop; with the 3-4 young females (potentially two mother-daughter pairs) forming the next breeding troop.

Though the above would require reasonable investment from Mogo Wildlife Park, it’s undoubtable the gorillas are their biggest drawcard and from a visitation/publicity perspective, they’d be wise to invest in them. They additionally have the option of accomodating a bachelor troop at Hunter Valley Zoo, which would no doubt boost visitation to that facility.

 

[Jambo]

The future of Mogo’s troop (discussion):

Mogo Zoo have a strong tradition of maintaining family lines - from their giraffe herd to their lion prides, so it’d come as no surprise to me to see Kipenzi’s new female infant retained long term to contribute to the succession of her natal troop:

If two more breeding recommendations follow for Kisane and Kipenzi, then Kisane and his sons (assuming at least one of the infants is male) could then transition into a bachelor troop (living at Mogo); with Kipenzi and her daughter/s being the foundation of a new breeding troop a decade from now (with a new male brought in). G-Anne and Kriba will inevitably pass within the above timeframe.

Alternatively, a new female could be imported within that decade - with her and Kipenzi having 2-3 infants between them in the coming years. Assuming at least one of those infants was male would enable Kisane and his sons to transition into a breeding troop; with the 3-4 young females (potentially two mother-daughter pairs) forming the next breeding troop.

Though the above would require reasonable investment from Mogo Wildlife Park, it’s undoubtable the gorillas are their biggest drawcard and from a visitation/publicity perspective, they’d be wise to invest in them. They additionally have the option of accomodating a bachelor troop at Hunter Valley Zoo, which would no doubt boost visitation to that facility.

Looking at the current state of things, I think we could see another breeding recommendation given to Kisane and Kipenzi, at least before the end of this decade. Realistically, they're the only breeding troop regionally right now.

Both Kisane and Kipenzi however descend from well represented lines, so thought may be given as to whether another offspring may be necessary.

If female, it's unlikely in my view both sisters will end up breeding (at least at Mogo) but then again, our region is in great need of females. And one could have value at another facility regionally.

Another son from Kisane would be valuable, and would almost near certainly be moved into a bachelor group with Kisane and Kaius.

I would love to see Mogo receive a female from overseas but that doesn't appear to be on the forecast anytime soon. In the meantime, since there's really no options to acquire females from within the region too, I think we can expect Mogo's troop to remain similar numbers wise; potentially accounting for a few deaths, and another birth within the next five or so years.

 

[Zoofan15]

Looking at the current state of things, I think we could see another breeding recommendation given to Kisane and Kipenzi, at least before the end of this decade. Realistically, they're the only breeding troop regionally right now.

Both Kisane and Kipenzi however descend from well represented lines, so thought may be given as to whether another offspring may be necessary.

If female, it's unlikely in my view both sisters will end up breeding (at least at Mogo) but then again, our region is in great need of females. And one could have value at another facility regionally.

Another son from Kisane would be valuable, and would almost near certainly be moved into a bachelor group with Kisane and Kaius.

I would love to see Mogo receive a female from overseas but that doesn't appear to be on the forecast anytime soon. In the meantime, since there's really no options to acquire females from within the region too, I think we can expect Mogo's troop to remain similar numbers wise; potentially accounting for a few deaths, and another birth within the next five or so years.

Mogo Wildlife Park are in an unusual position in that they can accomodate their own surplus - if not on site; then with an exhibit at Hunter Valley Zoo. The same could be said for Taronga re. Dubbo, but there’s been doubt whether Taronga will continue with gorillas, let alone expand their facilities. It remains the great unknown.

One of countless possibilities is Taronga’s troop could be disbanded as follows:

Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne
Johari to Mogo
Kibali and sons retained as a bachelor troop

Melbourne needs socially competent, mother-raised females; if Kisane tolerates G-Anne, there’s a reasonable chance he’d tolerate Johari; and Kibali’s sons are a ready made bachelor troop. From here, there could even be the possibility for Kibali and his sons to swap with Motaba and his sons given the younger group would make better use of the larger exhibit.

Something that hasn’t been mentioned before is whether under the above scenario, Frala would breed again. Taronga’s staff confirmed to me on my visit, she wouldn’t be breeding again at Taronga due to her age. In her current troop, I agree that’s in her best interests; but should she transfer to Otana’s troop, it might be given consideration given the implications to her status of being the only non-breeding female.

 

[Osedax]

Mogo Wildlife Park are in an unusual position in that they can accomodate their own surplus - if not on site; then with an exhibit at Hunter Valley Zoo.

They should be able to accommodate them on site - there are two adjacent exhibits (one currently holds waterfowl). This was how they separated G-Anne from the rest of the troop a few years ago.

 

[Zoofan15]

They should be able to accommodate them on site - there are two adjacent exhibits (one currently holds waterfowl). This was how they separated G-Anne from the rest of the troop a few years ago.

That’s entirely possible. It was my instinct to say Mogo would want to retain having an additional exhibit as a contingency for managing separation of troop members; but realistically speaking, that’s unlikely to be a requirement going forward as the breeding troop will (with the eventual passing of G-Anne) transition into an mother raised troop (bar Kaius of course).

Kriba was mother raised; as was her daughter Kipenzi; and now her own daughter. It will have countless benefits to the culture of the troop and hopefully enable a seamless transition of a new breeding male in (and Kisane and his son/s out - acknowledging a minimum of three gorillas is preferable for maintaining a cohesive bachelor troop long term).

 

[Pertinax]

Mogo Wildlife Park - infant sexed as a female:

Glad to see my reputation remains intact...

 

[Zoofan15]

Glad to see my reputation remains intact...

Congratulations @Pertinax!

Given your expertise, I had no doubts when you assessed this infant to be a female that you’d be correct. I recall you correctly assessing the gender of the London infants soon after their respective births last year among other past predictions.

I watched a couple of videos myself after hearing your prediction and came to the same conclusion. Media coverage of this infant by Mogo has been fantastic, so there’s been no shortage of reference material.

 

[Pertinax]

As I said, there's always a first time to be wrong but not this time. Yes their Media coverage has been good this time around, with happily no negative aspect like previously.

 

[Jambo]

Mogo Wildlife Park are in an unusual position in that they can accomodate their own surplus - if not on site; then with an exhibit at Hunter Valley Zoo. The same could be said for Taronga re. Dubbo, but there’s been doubt whether Taronga will continue with gorillas, let alone expand their facilities. It remains the great unknown.

One of countless possibilities is Taronga’s troop could be disbanded as follows:

Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne
Johari to Mogo
Kibali and sons retained as a bachelor troop

Melbourne needs socially competent, mother-raised females; if Kisane tolerates G-Anne, there’s a reasonable chance he’d tolerate Johari; and Kibali’s sons are a ready made bachelor troop. From here, there could even be the possibility for Kibali and his sons to swap with Motaba and his sons given the younger group would make better use of the larger exhibit.

Something that hasn’t been mentioned before is whether under the above scenario, Frala would breed again. Taronga’s staff confirmed to me on my visit, she wouldn’t be breeding again at Taronga due to her age. In her current troop, I agree that’s in her best interests; but should she transfer to Otana’s troop, it might be given consideration given the implications to her status of being the only non-breeding female.

I have been wondering if Taronga disbanding it's breeding troop is the best option regionally when you consider the lack of females we have as a region (especially viable ones) and the unlikely nature of an exodus of females being imported to savor the population in the coming years.

Melbourne could receive Frala and Mbeli in the meantime, with the target of acquiring another female from Europe down the line. I doubt Kanzi has breeding value back in Europe, so she'd need to be accommodated regionally. Remaining in her maternal group is a big possibility, but I also wouldn't rule out sending her to Mogo. Even if she's just there to boost female numbers.

Following the loss of Fikiri, it's absolutely possible Frala will receive another recommendation if she's up to it health wise. Turning 44 this year, she would be pushing reproductive limits for the species but if the intention is to transfer to Melbourne, they may allow her to move off contraception immediately (which would help introductions).

If Kanzi remains in the troop in the meantime as a non breeding female, I don't think there would be too much fuss in the event she won't be allowed to breed. Yes, she's a power hungry individual but she'd just have to deal with it. She is getting older now too, so there's also the chance her personality will start to mellow out as has been the case with some other animals with personalities like hers. Either way, even if she remains at Taronga, she'd remain without any offspring there too.

 

[Zoofan15]

I have been wondering if Taronga disbanding it's breeding troop is the best option regionally when you consider the lack of females we have as a region (especially viable ones) and the unlikely nature of an exodus of females being imported to savor the population in the coming years.

Melbourne could receive Frala and Mbeli in the meantime, with the target of acquiring another female from Europe down the line. I doubt Kanzi has breeding value back in Europe, so she'd need to be accommodated regionally. Remaining in her maternal group is a big possibility, but I also wouldn't rule out sending her to Mogo. Even if she's just there to boost female numbers.

Following the loss of Fikiri, it's absolutely possible Frala will receive another recommendation if she's up to it health wise. Turning 44 this year, she would be pushing reproductive limits for the species but if the intention is to transfer to Melbourne, they may allow her to move off contraception immediately (which would help introductions).

If Kanzi remains in the troop in the meantime as a non breeding female, I don't think there would be too much fuss in the event she won't be allowed to breed. Yes, she's a power hungry individual but she'd just have to deal with it. She is getting older now too, so there's also the chance her personality will start to mellow out as has been the case with some other animals with personalities like hers. Either way, even if she remains at Taronga, she'd remain without any offspring there too.

Taronga disbanding it’s breeding troop is definitely not in the best interests of maintaining a regional population. There have been a number of blows to the breeding programme with regards to holders including:

- Sydney Zoo abandoning plans to hold a bachelor troop

- Orana Wildlife Park abandoning plans to import a breeding troop

- Adelaide Zoo abandoning plans to hold gorillas

If Frala remains at Taronga in Kibali’s troop, I was advised she definitely won’t be breeding again. Although Fabumi (and the other adolescent males) will inevitably be transferring out of the troop in the next year so; Frala is comfortable in this troop as the second highest ranking of three females. Mbeli will maintain her rank, further compounded by future breeding; but Frala and Johari’s ranking will remain static.

If Frala and Mbeli transfer to Taronga, there’s a stronger argument for breeding from Frala again (if her health allows) given the upheaval would otherwise see her in a significantly worse off position than before (new silverback, lowest ranking).

 

[Jambo]

Taronga disbanding it’s breeding troop is definitely not in the best interests of maintaining a regional population. There have been a number of blows to the breeding programme with regards to holders including:

- Sydney Zoo abandoning plans to hold a bachelor troop

- Orana Wildlife Park abandoning plans to import a breeding troop

- Adelaide Zoo abandoning plans to hold gorillas

If Frala remains at Taronga in Kibali’s troop, I was advised she definitely won’t be breeding again. Although Fabumi (and the other adolescent males) will inevitably be transferring out of the troop in the next year so; Frala is comfortable in this troop as the second highest ranking of three females. Mbeli will maintain her rank, further compounded by future breeding; but Frala and Johari’s ranking will remain static.

If Frala and Mbeli transfer to Taronga, there’s a stronger argument for breeding from Frala again (if her health allows) given the upheaval would otherwise see her in a significantly worse off position than before (new silverback, lowest ranking).

In the meantime, it may be the best option given we're unlikely to receive multiple females within the next few years from Europe. I'd rather see the regions females all breeding within a large troop at a facility where breeding can be guaranteed.

In the event a Taronga import doesn't occur, Melbourne will have to resort to acquiring two females from Europe; and as we speak, these options are beginning to dry up with a few more transfers as of late. Taronga will also be in a position where, without any redevelopments to their current complex, acquiring another breeding female to join their troop as it is would be unlikely. There's also no guarantees Taronga will receive a recommendation to re-pair Kibali and Mbeli.

Adelaide, Orana and Sydney all cancelling plans to hold gorillas highlights the real problem here- in that we don't and we won't have enough breeding age individuals going forward to sustain a larger population. We simply haven't bred enough regionally; and there isn't enough female surplus in Europe. For example, Orana already had their silverback but scrapped plans when they couldn't get enough females across. A new facility (especially one existing outside of the region) would be low on the priority list when it comes to available females.

 

[Zoofan15]

In the meantime, it may be the best option given we're unlikely to receive multiple females within the next few years from Europe. I'd rather see the regions females all breeding within a large troop at a facility where breeding can be guaranteed.

In the event a Taronga import doesn't occur, Melbourne will have to resort to acquiring two females from Europe; and as we speak, these options are beginning to dry up with a few more transfers as of late. Taronga will also be in a position where, without any redevelopments to their current complex, acquiring another breeding female to join their troop as it is would be unlikely. There's also no guarantees Taronga will receive a recommendation to re-pair Kibali and Mbeli.

Adelaide, Orana and Sydney all cancelling plans to hold gorillas highlights the real problem here- in that we don't and we won't have enough breeding age individuals going forward to sustain a larger population. We simply haven't bred enough regionally; and there isn't enough female surplus in Europe. For example, Orana already had their silverback but scrapped plans when they couldn't get enough females across. A new facility (especially one existing outside of the region) would be low on the priority list when it comes to available females.

I agree. Transferring Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne Zoo would give Melbourne a troop of 1.3 gorillas (with two breeding females if Frala breeds). Kanzi who has little breeding application would remain in her natal troop to enhance the social dynamics; as well as learning (from Mbeli and/or Frala) maternal skills. While Kanzi could transfer to Mogo, Melbourne are in greater need of females and Mogo’s females could well be hostile to an incoming female with infants in the troop.

While acknowledging the potential for Mogo’s females to be hostile towards an incoming female, it remains the best option for Johari should Taronga’s troop disband. She may well find companionship with G-Anne given Kriba, Kipenzi and their infants form the central clique of the Kisane troop.

This would leave Taronga with four (bachelor males). What’s worth noting is this need not be Taronga’s long term future. A new holder could emerge within the next decade; or Taronga could proceede with plan to build two new exhibits (accompanying a bachelor troop and breeding troop). In either of these scenarios, one of the four males could then head up the new breeding troop. Genetically speaking, Fabumi would be the ideal choice; but cohesion in the bachelor troop would take priority - with this presenting an ideal opportunity to remove a trouble maker.

 

[Jambo]

I agree. Transferring Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne Zoo would give Melbourne a troop of 1.3 gorillas (with two breeding females if Frala breeds). Kanzi who has little breeding application would remain in her natal troop to enhance the social dynamics; as well as learning (from Mbeli and/or Frala) maternal skills. While Kanzi could transfer to Mogo, Melbourne are in greater need of females and Mogo’s females could well be hostile to an incoming female with infants in the troop.

While acknowledging the potential for Mogo’s females to be hostile towards an incoming female, it remains the best option for Johari should Taronga’s troop disband. She may well find companionship with G-Anne given Kriba, Kipenzi and their infants form the central clique of the Kisane troop.

This would leave Taronga with four (bachelor males). What’s worth noting is this need not be Taronga’s long term future. A new holder could emerge within the next decade; or Taronga could proceede with plan to build two new exhibits (accompanying a bachelor troop and breeding troop). In either of these scenarios, one of the four males could then head up the new breeding troop. Genetically speaking, Fabumi would be the ideal choice; but cohesion in the bachelor troop would take priority - with this presenting an ideal opportunity to remove a trouble maker.

Transferring the females from Taronga across to Melbourne would be the ideal in the meantime if imports can't be made from Europe at the present time.

As you say, Taronga being left with a bachelor troop isn't necessarily a long term solution but more so a short term solution when you consider Taronga might not end up building the Congo precinct as soon as we may have expected which would've provided the opportunity to hold both a breeding troop and a bachelor troop.

On Johari, I'm sure she will remember and recognise G Anne who was effectively an 'aunty' to her at Melbourne. Considering G Ann is effectively an outsider within Mogo's troop, Johari's companionship could be very beneficial for her in her twilight years.

Giving the current situation time will be valuable. In a decades time, another holder may come up; allowing surplus males to be taken on freeing up further space for breeding, or there may be a significant surplus of females born in Europe which would enable a fair amount of imports to be undertaken to re-stock another breeding troop within the region.

 

[Zoofan15]

Transferring the females from Taronga across to Melbourne would be the ideal in the meantime if imports can't be made from Europe at the present time.

As you say, Taronga being left with a bachelor troop isn't necessarily a long term solution but more so a short term solution when you consider Taronga might not end up building the Congo precinct as soon as we may have expected which would've provided the opportunity to hold both a breeding troop and a bachelor troop.

On Johari, I'm sure she will remember and recognise G Anne who was effectively an 'aunty' to her at Melbourne. Considering G Ann is effectively an outsider within Mogo's troop, Johari's companionship could be very beneficial for her in her twilight years.

Giving the current situation time will be valuable. In a decades time, another holder may come up; allowing surplus males to be taken on freeing up further space for breeding, or there may be a significant surplus of females born in Europe which would enable a fair amount of imports to be undertaken to re-stock another breeding troop within the region.

Johari could be ideal for Mogo’s troop when you consider the rivalries between female gorillas often revolve around competing for attention from the silverback. Johari has zero interest in Kibali (moving away if he comes near) and as long as Kisane is willing to tolerate Johari (as he does G-Anne), I foresee no issues.

Aside from being proven to tolerate a socially deficient female, Kisane turns 20 next year and is well and truly past the adolescent stage, where young males are still learning the skills needed to effectively manage a troop. This was one of the factors believed to have contributed to Otana’s aggression a decade ago.

Orana could similarly prove a game-changer. Within the decade, the unexpected passing of either Fataki or Fuzu could see the other expected to Australia to found a breeding troop at Taronga; with Kibali and his sons sent to New Zealand to occupy Orana’s complex. Considering it opened as a Great Ape Centre, it’s greatly underutilsied by the Siamang on one side and the two gorillas on the other. Hopefully things will pick up for Orana in the decade to come.

 

[Pertinax]

where young males are still learning the skills needed to effectively manage a troop. This was one of the factors believed to have contributed to Otana’s aggression a decade ago.

There have been any number of examples of this in Europe in the past. Yaounde( now the long established group silverback at Valle de Singes) had five/six homes prior to this because of his 'difficult' behaviour. Buzandi at Hanover (in a similar position to Yaounde now) was another example of initial aggession. I think there might even be a recommendation in the EEP guidelines not to use 'young' silverbacks and certainly not blackbacks, as group leaders,- if not there should be- but it still happens sometimes, if, for example, a young genetically valuable male is available to head up a group but he is not yet in the correct age class. For example, young male Baako who very recently went from Belfast to Givskud in Denmark to be their new group leader is only 12, but genetically he is a priority for breeding from over many more mature males. So in a case like that where a breeding placement arises, what's the best decision to make. Generally though, I think males under around fifteen should not be used in this context. Particularly when they are going to join older established females who may stand up to their attempts at dominance, which is usually the case if they are replacing a previous male in a group.

In Otana's case( and Kisane too?) I think Howletts just happily send away a spare male if requested by another zoo, without questions raised about his immaturity. Kisane I saw at Howletts the year before he left and he was still only a blackback living in his father's group. I suspect Melbourne may have even asked for one from Howletts because they knew they were all group -reared and well socialised there.

 

[Zoofan15]

There have been any number of examples of this in Europe in the past. Yaounde( now the long established group silverback at Valle de Singes) had five/six homes prior to this because of his 'difficult' behaviour. Buzandi at Hanover (in a similar position to Yaounde now) was another example of initial aggession. I think there might even be a recommendation in the EEP guidelines not to use 'young' silverbacks and certainly not blackbacks, as group leaders,- if not there should be- but it still happens sometimes, if, for example, a young genetically valuable male is available to head up a group but he is not yet in the correct age class. For example, young male Baako who very recently went from Belfast to Givskud in Denmark to be their new group leader is only 12, but genetically he is a priority for breeding from over many more mature males. So in a case like where a breeding placement arises, what's the best decision to make. Generally though, I think males under around fifteen should not be used in this context. Particularly when they are going to join older established females who may stand up to their attempts at dominance, which is usually the case if they are replacing a previous male in a group.

In Otana's case( and Kisane too?) I think Howletts just happily send away a spare male if requested by another zoo, without questions raised about his immaturity. I suspect Melbourne may have even asked for one from Howletts because they knew they were all group -reared and well socialised there.

It’s definitely something that has been given more consideration in recent years. After siring two infants at Basel, Jambo (1961-1992) sired his first infant in Jersey’s troop at the age of 11 years; while Kibabu (1977-2018) sired his first infants in the Apenheul troop at the age of 11 years (giving an indication of the timeframe they were introduced to their respective females).

In the case of the Kibabu, his arrival followed on from that of Bongo (1973-2004), who began siring infants at the age of six years, so by comparison was somewhat mature.

In any case, the need to transfer males out of their natal troop at adolescence tied in with them heading up breeding troops, with nearly ever male produced going into a breeding situation in the 70’s and 80’s. The bachelor troops are a by-product of the highly successful breeding that’s occurred over the past five decades; and it seems consequently more thought is given to how these can be used to allow the young males to mature into their role. As an added benefit, it lessens their tenure as silverback of a breeding troop - with no single male required to sire offspring over the 30+ years that could theoretically follow the appointment of a 10-12 year old male to that role.

 

[Jambo]

In Otana's case( and Kisane too?) I think Howletts just happily send away a spare male if requested by another zoo, without questions raised about his immaturity. Kisane I saw at Howletts the year before he left and he was still only a blackback living in his father's group. I suspect Melbourne may have even asked for one from Howletts because they knew they were all group -reared and well socialised there.

From what I remember back with Kibali (Taronga's current silverback), Taronga requests a new silverback, options are then presented (genetically speaking). And Taronga then had the job of assessing all the options, and selecting the 'right' one.

I imagine both Melbourne and Mogo would've gone through the same process. Perhaps it's merely a coincidence both got Howletts bred males. Although like you say, Howletts have one of the best troops worldwide that provides an array of social opportunities that would be beneficial for a young blackback to have when transitioning into a silverback role.

 

[Zoofan15]

It’s hard to say. Little John was captured leading up to what was estimated to be his fourth birthday, which would have been an advantage over gorillas captured in their first or second year, which are deprived of any meaningful memories of their natal troop. He may well have being sterile due to contracting mumps (or similar) but either way, 1.1 pairings aren’t conducive for females conceiving.

It appears the initial groupings were:

George Kong (1958) Imported 1960
Mary Kong (1957) Imported 1960

Little John (1958) Imported 1961
Betsy (1959) Imported 1961

Buluman (1958) Imported 1961
Annabella (1958) Imported 1961

Little John died 1972
Mary Kong died 1974
Anabella died 1977
George Kong died 1977

I’m wondering if after Little John’s death, Betsy went to live with Buluman and Anabella. Then when Mary Kong died, Anabella went to keep George Kong company - with them both dying in 1977.

I was correct in my assumption of the early groupings of Taronga’s gorillas. This article below further details the exhibits that the gorillas moved into in 1964. I thought this would be of interest to @Pertinax, who was enquiring about this the other day. The gorillas were presumably held in the cage block housing chimpanzees and orangutans prior to this.

It was hoped this would encourage breeding and indeed it was reported in 1969 that it was thought Mary was pregnant two years prior (1967), which turned out to be a false alarm. Of course we know now that housing in 1.1 pairs was far from ideal with regards to promoting breeding (in addition to at least one of the males, Buluman being sterile).

Further Information on Taronga’s Early Gorillas

Groupings:

Three gorilla couples at Taronga Park will move into the zoo's most modern home units.

The couples who will occupy them are George and Mary; Annabel and Buluman; and Little John and Betsy.

George and Mary, and Annabel and Buluman, are already living together as householders. Little John and Betsy have met each other"according to zoo chief Sir Edward Hallstrom—but have yet to be introduced to domestic bliss.

Description of accomodation:

At the rear, flanking a small hall, are two separate night cages, each with a bed made of wooden slats. The gorillas will make their own beds each night, padding them with mattresses of wood wool shavings. , Refrigerators in the flats will keep fresh the milk, eggs and fruit on which the big gorillas

The flats have underfloor heating,' sinks with hot and cold water, and are painted in restful pastel colours.

Each has a large "living room" at the front, with a glass wall through which visitors will be able to watch the gorillas playing. The play area is equipped with tables and climbing bars, and the gorillas will be given heavy, unbreakable toys.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Sunday, January 19, 1964).

 

[Swanson02]

Any news on Melbourne's set up?

It's been two weeks now? Surely they got some plans?

 

[Zoofan15]

Any news on Melbourne's set up?

It's been two weeks now? Surely they got some plans?

Nothing’s been announced yet.

There’s basically two ways it could go:

1) Transfer over Frala and Mbeli from Taronga
2) Import females from Europe

If the first option, then it’s possible we could hear something within the next month or two.

If the second option, an import could be anything up to a year away. No imports were planned as of my visit 16 months ago and they wouldn’t have been expecting the death of a prime aged female, so this has very much come out of left field.