Guy and Lomie 1972

After many years of living alone. Guy the gorilla was introduced to the younger female, Lomie, from Chessington when the old Monkey House was replaced by the Sobell Pavilions. I don't know how intimate they became, but I thought this photo showed that old Guy had some idea of what to do - but nothing came of it. Lomie later mated successfully with Samson at Bristol, where their daughter Salome still lives, and with Djoum at Howletts. Sobell Pavilions, London ZSL, 1st March 1972.

gentle lemur said:

I don't know how intimate they became, but I thought this photo showed that old Guy had some idea of what to do - but nothing came of it.

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I think you'll find this was play behaviour- he is mock-biting her back -rather than anything more sexual. Poor old Guy, companionship came rather too late for that. Some people say he did mate Lomie, most say he didn't. Certainly he would still 'mate'with his concrete shelf, using proper mating stance, even with Lomie in oestrus in the enclosure with him, so I think no. Hence her later sojourns at Bristol before she left London more permanently. Although she had five children( two by Samson, two by Djoum, one by (Jersey) Kumba at Chessington, only the first 'Salome', and the last 'Shani' have continued her line.

Great historic photo too.

Pertinax said:

Great historic photo too.

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I think you're right about Guy and Lomie, but I was quite encouraged when I saw this. At least old Guy had some company in his later years,
I'm glad you like the photo, it's the first time I have ever shown it.

Alan

gentle lemur said:

At least old Guy had some company in his later years,
I'm glad you like the photo, it's the first time I have ever shown it.

Alan

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In the very few photos I've seen of them interacting, he appears playful with her, rather than showing more normal silverback behaviour. In one showing them in neighbouring cages when she arrived and he first saw her, he is spitting a mouthful of water at her! And yes, its good he at least had a companion in his later years.