He was alone on the island while the other 5 males were held indoors. They were changed over at about 2.45 pm. Gorilla Island, Paignton, 28th October 2010.
He was alone on the island while the other 5 males were held indoors. They were changed over at about 2.45 pm. Gorilla Island, Paignton, 28th October 2010.
He's not often in the showden and you usually have to gaze at him across the moat. It's good to be able to get a close look at his eyes and face like this.
He really needs to leave, as having him seperated means the main group can only have access outdoors part of the day.
The problem being where can he go- to another bachelor group? but very difficult to integrate him with other same-aged or older males now. The best solution would be for somewhere starting a new male group to have him as 'senior' male with a couple of younger ones for company.
He's a lovely looking male and perhaps one day he will join a breeding group as his father Keke was wildcaught, has only two living offspring and (so far) no grandchildren.
He could really do with some company. If a move isn't on the horizon, I'd like to see him playing with Kiondo and Kivu outside now and again (unless there are reasons why it can't happen - but they used to be live together happily). At the moment he seems to rely on human interaction for amusement, which is good for us but not ideal for him.
I think it has become an established pattern for him now, even if he's later given Gorilla company he'll probably still interact with people.
However, it may not be of any consequence as the humanised male 'Bokito' at Rotterdam,(the one who jumped the moat to get to his lady admirer) is also a successful breeding male too .(3 offspring from 2 females so far)
Genetically its workable/ a good idea as he's not related to any of the Howlett's gorillas (except one female 'Emba' who isn't in Kijo's group anyway.) However I think they are putting off adding a new male until Kijo's smallest/last offspring is a bit older. Also I think as Howletts/Pl have unrelated bachelors of their own to choose from they will then use one of their own as a new male- but Kumbuka could be a sensible option.
