Well, I found it fascinating. The first thing I observed was the very strong odor of male gorilla. Introduction of Maka and Ekuba started a couple of months ago. They put Maka on exhibit then would open the door part way so Ekuba could come and go as he felt comfortable. Last week they did introductions of Maka and Mandazzi inside. The keeper reported lots of posturing and baring of teeth. Mandazzi received a minor injury when he forgot to duck when Maka threw a tire at him. When the 3 boys were together on exhibit Maka did a lot of posturing, Mandazzi pounded on the door freguently and Ekuba spent his time walking between the 2 of them. Maka has a genetic disorder that makes him smaller than other silverbacks so Mandazzi weighs more but Maka has more muscle.
Thats all really neat to hear about. They would be wise to learn to get along. No one wants to be alone. Its always nicer to have some friends. Ekuba seems to get that.
So in the photo is Maka the furthest away or the closest one?
And given Maka's genetic disorder does that mean he will never be allowed to breed? Considering they are brothers would that possibly exclude the others from one day heading a troop too?
Maka is the closest one. I believe the plan is to make this the bachelor troop. The zoo has a breeding troop that consists of Paul Donn, Jessica, and Ndjia. Jessica is the mother of all the boys. Their father is Memba age 45. Right now the zoo is rotating time on exhibit between the breeding troop, Memba, Mandazzi and Ekuba, then Maka, Mandazzi and Ekuba. This gives Memba time alone off exhibit.
When the 3 boys were together on exhibit Maka did a lot of posturing, Mandazzi pounded on the door freguently and Ekuba spent his time walking between the 2 of them.
Very interesting description and the photo exactly tells the story too. I would read it as Maka, being the eldest and fully adult, feels himself to be dominant. Mandazzi, perhaps a bit frustrated by that, felt the need to redirect his aggression into display. Ebuka, the youngest and most subordinate is still too young to contest rank so he gets along fine with both of them.
Very interesting description and the photo exactly tells the story too. I would read it as Maka, being the eldest and fully adult, feels himself to be dominant. Mandazzi, perhaps a bit frustrated by that, felt the need to redirect his aggression into display. Ebuka, the youngest and most subordinate is still too young to contest rank so he gets along fine with both of them.
My thoughts exactly! While inside the bedrooms the door between is raised a few feet so Ekuba can choose who he wants to be with. He does spend time with Maka but always chooses to sleep with his dad Memba.
Well ya dad would be the one hes most bonded with. Wouldnt you want to sleep with your snuggly old dad whose always loved and protected you... especially after being seperated from mom instead of your big teen age brothers who probably like to pick on you from time to time.
Is the plan to have all 4 males together at least part of the time or will they be sticking with the current set up?
I find the bachelor group stuff so interesting. Here in Toronto we have two maturing males (nearly 9 year old Sadiki and 4 year old Nassir) who wil be joining a bachelor group either upon Sadiki being kicked out of the group by father Charles or Charles death, in preparation for the new silverback. Its interesting to see what the boys future will be like.
Here in Toronto we have two maturing males (nearly 9 year old Sadiki and 4 year old Nassir) who wil be joining a bachelor group either upon Sadiki being kicked out of the group by father Charles or Charles death, in preparation for the new silverback. Its interesting to see what the boys future will be like.
Some silverbacks can be very tolerant with their own sons if they've grown up together- even allowing them to stay within the group as young silverbacks. It very much depends on the individual males' temperaments and situations. I think quite a lot of young males are removed before they really need to be, because of convenient timing for them to move e.g. where a new male group is being set-up perhaps or to join an existing one.
In our troop I think Charles is fairly tolerant of his sons. I believe their youngest older brother stayed until he was 12 or 13 and was moved to be part of a bachelor group being set up in Granby with similar aged boys. Sadiki could probably stick around a lot longer provided his dad is alive. If Charles were to die they would likely look for a new home for Sadiki and Nassir not just to clear the way for a new male but to possibly make space for an additional adult female or two because we have only one breeding female, Ngozi who has a 3 week old baby, a potential breeder Johari (Charles adult daughter), and a post reproductive female 43 year old Josephine. At least one female is needed to meet standards. Hopefully the baby is a female.
