Kukena is just starting to shuffle around, Salome watches him very carefully. He is now five and a half months old. Gorilla Island, photographed through the lion-tailed macaque enclosure, Bristol, 13th March 2012.
Kukena is just starting to shuffle around, Salome watches him very carefully. He is now five and a half months old. Gorilla Island, photographed through the lion-tailed macaque enclosure, Bristol, 13th March 2012.
Without searching endless lists, its difficult to anwer your first part, but several Howletts females have given birth into their forties and I think at some other places too. So 35 isn't too exceptional, although she had that unusually long period of non-breeding between her London and Bristol births.
I heartily agree with your second comment though. Compare her fortunes with those of the similar-aged 'Zaire' at London. I think rearing a couple of youngsters has helped 'drain off' Salome's weight a bit, though she was always quite rotund, even before she was fully grown.
I don't think she has lost any weight; she still has a very matronly figure (it took me a little thought to find the right word ) and a liking for a quiet life.
I don't think she has lost any weight; she still has a very matronly figure (it took me a little thought to find the right word ) and a liking for a quiet life.
I think even the Zoo said she has lost some weight in recent years(presumably they can weigh her?) though obviously her basic shape will never change. Even aged 6 at London Zoo she was 'plump'. I have a photo I took of her at Chessington- she was gross then, almost football shaped. At least she isn't like that anymore.
