Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population 2023

Taronga Zoo:

1.0 Kibali (25/03/2001) Yaounde x Moseka; Imported 2012
0.1 Frala (14/06/1981) Bongo x Mintha; Imported 1996
0.1 Johari (26/04/2000) Motoba x Julia
0.1 Mbeli (05/02/2003) Kibabu x Mouila
1.0 Mjukuu (30/10/2014) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Fabumi (13/05/2015) Kibali x Frala
1.0 Mwamba (02/09/2017 Kibali x Mbeli
0.1 Fikiri (06/06/2019) Kibali x Frala

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Otana (28/01/2001) Kouillou x Tamba; Imported 2013
0.1 Kimya (12/01/2005) Kibabu x Kriba
0.1 Kanzi (14/03/2015) Otana x Kimya

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Motaba (23/12/1983) Jambo x Nandi; Imported 1990
1.0 Yakini (28/11/1999) Motoba x Yuska
1.0 Ganyeka (29/04/2000) Motoba x G-Ann

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Kisane (18/08/2006) Djanghou x Sanki; Imported 2019
0.1 G-Ann (08/06/1979) Moemba x Fern; Imported 1997
0.1 Kriba (09/08/1979) Bongo x Mouila; Imported 1996
0.1 Kipenzi (14/01/2011) Kibabu x Kriba
1.0 Kaius (21/10/2022) Kisane x Kipenzi

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Fataki (24/05/2003) Kibabu x Frala
1.0 Fuzu (08/12/2007) Kibabu x Frala

Total regional population: 12.9
 
Population Forecasting

My fourth population forecast will focus on the region’s Western lowland gorilla population - a relatively simple task given the size of the current regional population.

Facts:

The maximum life expectancy is typically 40-50 years for females and 35-45 years for males. The longevity record in the region is a female named Yuska, who died at Melbourne Zoo aged 51 years.

Sexual maturity is attained around seven years and the region doesn’t appear to be delaying breeding of females until their mid-teens as with chimpanzees and orangutans. The last three first time mothers produced their first offspring between the ages of 10-12 years.

The eldest mother in the region was Frala at 38 years, which globally appears to be the upper limits of reproduction (i.e. few females conceive past this age).

Going forward, there will be an increasing expectation on zoos to manage their own (surplus) bachelor males.

Forecast:

The following is a speculatory forecast based on the above facts.

Unlike previous forecasts, it will be done over 15 years.

Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population 2038 (Forecast)

Taronga Zoo:

1.0 Kisane (18/08/2006) Imported 2019
0.1 Mbeli (05/02/2003) Kibabu x Mouila
0.1 Fikiri (06/06/2019) Kibali x Frala
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2029) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Infant (00/00/2036) Kisane x Fikiri

1.0 Mjukuu (30/10/2014) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Fabumi (13/05/2015) Kibali x Frala
1.0 Mwamba (02/09/2017 Kibali x Mbeli

Mjukuu, Fabumi and Mwamba formed a bachelor troop.

Taronga’s new gorilla complex opened in 2026, with Mbeli producing her third and fourth infants in 2026 and 2029. She was the troop’s only breeding female during this time. Her son was transferred to Werribee to join a bachelor troop in the the mid 2030’s.

Fikiri remained in the troop and Frala passed away in her early 50’s; Johari never produced an infant and died in her mid-30’s.

In 2036, Kibale was exchanged with Kisane at Mogo Zoo. He was introduced to the zoo’s three remaining females - which include Mbeli (retired from breeding), Fikiri (new breeding female) and Mbeli’s adolescent daughter (on contraception).

Melbourne Zoo:

1.0 Otana (28/01/2001) Imported 2013
0.1 Kimya (12/01/2005) Kibabu x Kriba
0.1 Kanzi (14/03/2015) Otana x Kimya
0.1 Adult I1 (00/00/2015) Imported 2025
0.1 Juvenile (00/00/2034) Otana x Adult I1

Kanzi has remained in the troop as a non breeding female.

A second breeding female was imported in 2025 and produced her first offspring in 2026 and second in 2039 (both now at Werribee). Her third offspring followed in 2034.

Kimya resumed cycling with the addition of a new female. She produced sons in 2026 and 2029 (both now at Werribee) and is now on contraception.

Melbourne is now on breeding hiatus. When Otana passes, a new male will head up the troop of four females.

Werribee Open Range Zoo:

1.0 Adult (00/00/2026) Kibali x Mbeli
1.0 Adult (00/00/2026) Otana x Kimya
1.0 Adult (00/00/2026) Otana x Adult I1
1.0 Adolescent (00/00/2029) Otana x Kipenzi
1.0 Adolescent (00/00/2029) Otana x Adult I1

Motaba, Yakini and Ganyeka are deceased.

A bachelor troop was formed consisting of five young males - four from Melbourne, one from Taronga.

Mogo Zoo:

1.0 Kibali (25/03/2001) Imported 2012
0.1 Kipenzi (14/01/2011) Kibabu x Kriba
0.1 Adult I2 (00/00/2015) Imported 2025
0.1 Adolescent (00/00/2029) Kisane x Adult I2
1.0 Infant (00/00/2037) Kibali x Adult I2
1.0 Infant (00/00/2038) Kibali x Kipenzi

1.0 Kaius (21/10/2022) Kisane x Kipenzi
1.0 Adult (00/00/2026) Kisane x Adult I2
1.0 Adolescent (00/00/2027) Kisane x Kipenzi

G-Ann and Kriba are deceased.

A female was imported in 2025. She produced a son in 2026; with Kipenzi producing a son the following year in 2027. These two males have since been integrated with Kaius to form a bachelor troop.

The imported female produced a daughter in 2029, who remains in the troop.

In 2036, Kisane was exchanged with Kibali. He’s since sired offspring with the imported female and Kipenzi.

Orana Wildlife Park:

1.0 Fataki (24/05/2003) Kibabu x Frala
1.0 Fuzu (08/12/2007) Kibabu x Frala

Fataki and Fuzu are now in their senior years. Orana never imported a breeding troop and 15 years on, their population remains unchanged.

The long term plan is for them to receive the male infants born 2036 at Taronga; 2037 at Mogo; and 2038 at Mogo (once they reach adolescence).

New Holders:

Monarto Safari Park finally confirmed plans to acquire gorillas in 2037. A small breeding troop will arrive next year (2039) from Europe. Their complex will accomodate a bachelor troop to allow males bred on site to remain at Monarto.
Aaaaa
 
Fikiri (2019-2023)

It brings me great sadness to report Fikiri has died at Taronga Zoo. I have no further information regarding the cause of death, but note the troop has been off display for an extended period of time due to illness.

As with chimpanzees, survivorship of gorillas in the juvenile phase is statistically high and even within a historical context, this is the first incidence of a juvenile gorilla dying in an Australasian zoo.

Fikiri was the only female juvenile in Taronga’s troop and I know many of us were anticipating her to one day play a pivotal breeding role - either at Taronga Zoo or another zoo in the region.

Fikiri’s death is especially sad as she will likely be Frala’s last infant. Females of her species often struggle to conceive in their late 30’s, so to see Frala welcome her ninth infant at the age of 38 was an achievement in herself. She’s now 42 years old and likely post reproductive.

Globally, Frala is poorly represented. She has 3.2 surviving offspring, which have to date produced 2.0 surviving offspring between them (one of which is castrated). Frala’s father (Bongo) was a prolific breeder, but her mother is poorly represented compared to other founders in the troop e.g. Mouila.

It’s difficult to say what the future holds for Taronga’s gorilla troop following reports the zoo doesn’t anticipate holding the species long term. It seems likely the three younger males will form (or join) a bachelor troop; though I’d prefer to see a complex built as originally intended in the Congo precinct.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Fikiri (2019-2023)

It brings me great sadness to report Fikiri has died at Taronga Zoo. I have no further information regarding the cause of death, but note the troop has been off display for an extended period of time due to illness.

As with chimpanzees, survivorship of gorillas in the juvenile phase is statistically high and even within a historical context, this is the first incidence of a juvenile gorilla dying in an Australasian zoo.

Fikiri was the only female juvenile in Taronga’s troop and I know many of us were anticipating her to one day play a pivotal breeding role - either at Taronga Zoo or another zoo in the region.

Fikiri’s death is especially sad as she will likely be Frala’s last infant. Females of her species often struggle to conceive in their late 30’s, so to see Frala welcome her ninth infant at the age of 38 was an achievement in herself. She’s now 42 years old and likely post reproductive.

Globally, Frala is poorly represented. She has 3.2 surviving offspring, which have to date produced 2.0 surviving offspring between them (one of which is castrated). Frala’s father (Bongo) was a prolific breeder, but her mother is poorly represented compared to other founders in the troop e.g. Mouila.

It’s difficult to say what the future holds for Taronga’s gorilla troop following reports the zoo doesn’t anticipate holding the species long term. It seems likely the three younger males will form (or join) a bachelor troop; though I’d prefer to see a complex built as originally intended in the Congo precinct.
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So sad.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Fikiri (2019-2023)

It brings me great sadness to report Fikiri has died at Taronga Zoo. I have no further information regarding the cause of death, but note the troop has been off display for an extended period of time due to illness.

As with chimpanzees, survivorship of gorillas in the juvenile phase is statistically high and even within a historical context, this is the first incidence of a juvenile gorilla dying in an Australasian zoo.

Fikiri was the only female juvenile in Taronga’s troop and I know many of us were anticipating her to one day play a pivotal breeding role - either at Taronga Zoo or another zoo in the region.

Fikiri’s death is especially sad as she will likely be Frala’s last infant. Females of her species often struggle to conceive in their late 30’s, so to see Frala welcome her ninth infant at the age of 38 was an achievement in herself. She’s now 42 years old and likely post reproductive.

Globally, Frala is poorly represented. She has 3.2 surviving offspring, which have to date produced 2.0 surviving offspring between them (one of which is castrated). Frala’s father (Bongo) was a prolific breeder, but her mother is poorly represented compared to other founders in the troop e.g. Mouila.

It’s difficult to say what the future holds for Taronga’s gorilla troop following reports the zoo doesn’t anticipate holding the species long term. It seems likely the three younger males will form (or join) a bachelor troop; though I’d prefer to see a complex built as originally intended in the Congo precinct.
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Absolutely terrible news. My thoughts are with Taronga's keepers who have had a horrible last few weeks with the death of Cebeli too.

With three females remaining in the troop (two of which are non breeding), Taronga doesen't have a lot to work with going forward. New imports (both male and female) would be needed to rejuvenate the troop, and at this point in time that's probably going to take a while.

The best course imo is to retain the current four males as a bachelor group in the current enclosure (or a new exhibit in the proposed Congo precinct); and then send the three girls elsewhere. Mbeli and Frala could be sent to Melbourne, which need additional females and Johari could potentially be sent to Mogo (to be introduced to their family trio or even G Ann who would be a familiar face for her).
 
Jambo said:
Absolutely terrible news. My thoughts are with Taronga's keepers who have had a horrible last few weeks with the death of Cebeli too.

With three females remaining in the troop (two of which are non breeding), Taronga doesen't have a lot to work with going forward. New imports (both male and female) would be needed to rejuvenate the troop, and at this point in time that's probably going to take a while.

The best course imo is to retain the current four males as a bachelor group in the current enclosure (or a new exhibit in the proposed Congo precinct); and then send the three girls elsewhere. Mbeli and Frala could be sent to Melbourne, which need additional females and Johari could potentially be sent to Mogo (to be introduced to their family trio or even G Ann who would be a familiar face for her).
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I suppose it depends what direction Taronga want to head in, but disbanding Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne and Johari to Mogo are certainly options to consider. Johari is apparently fond of infants and along with G-Ann, could be a surrogate to Kaius; while it’d resolve Melbourne’s issue of requiring new females.

I favoured the split of Kibale and his adolescent sons into a bachelor troop to allow the formation of a new breeding troop around Mbeli and Fikiri; but if Taronga do decide to continue breeding, I’d assume Kibale will remain in place (and new females will be sourced). Of his four offspring, Fikiri was the only one I expected to breed and they’d surely want to make use of this founder male - who’s more genetically valuable than Kisane and Otana.
 
Zoofan15 said:
I suppose it depends what direction Taronga want to head in, but disbanding Frala and Mbeli to Melbourne and Johari to Mogo are certainly options to consider. Johari is apparently fond of infants and along with G-Ann, could be a surrogate to Kaius; while it’d resolve Melbourne’s issue of requiring new females.

I favoured the split of Kibale and his adolescent sons into a bachelor troop to allow the formation of a new breeding troop around Mbeli and Fikiri; but if Taronga do decide to continue breeding, I’d assume Kibale will remain in place (and new females will be sourced). Of his four offspring, Fikiri was the only one I expected to breed and they’d surely want to make use of this founder male - who’s more genetically valuable than Kisane and Otana.
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That's very true, and may be something Taronga may be willing to consider. At the moment though it does seem like all three regional breeding facilities are in need of new females and I would be surprised if all three are rewarded with this at least anytime soon.

In the meantime, they should really be focusing on the gorillas they have. Letting Kimya go a while without conceiving is a big issue, and new females would be required for this.

Taronga mantaining a bachelor group makes the most sense, especially if they're questionable with gorillas going forward.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It brings me great sadness to report Fikiri has died at Taronga Zoo. I have no further information regarding the cause of death, but note the troop has been off display for an extended period of time due to illness.
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Taronga Zoo - Update:

Fikiri’s cause of death was a severe gastrointestinal infection.

Another section of the exhibit has been reopened, with the gorillas settling back into their normal routine - though the impact of Fikiri’s death will be felt for a long time to come; not least for Frala, who will soon be left with no offspring in the troop as her eight year old son approaches dispersal age.
 
@Zoofan15 Re. The update in the Melbourne news thread.

Breed from Kimya once Kanzi transfers out? Sounds like a brilliant idea. :confused:

I guess Kimya’s genetic value may be playing a part here. She’s a very well represented female and already has a daughter of whom will probably receive priority now (especially if she’s transferred elsewhere).

Personally Mogo seems like the most realistic option for me, where she can join her grandmother and provide her Aunty (Kipenzi) companionship in the long term.

I really don’t understand why they don’t have any plans to acquire more females though. At this point I’m starting to believe it may have something to do with Otana’s temperament.
 
Jambo said:
@Zoofan15 Re. The update in the Melbourne news thread.

Breed from Kimya once Kanzi transfers out? Sounds like a brilliant idea. :confused:

I guess Kimya’s genetic value may be playing a part here. She’s a very well represented female and already has a daughter of whom will probably receive priority now (especially if she’s transferred elsewhere).

Personally Mogo seems like the most realistic option for me, where she can join her grandmother and provide her Aunty (Kipenzi) companionship in the long term.

I really don’t understand why they don’t have any plans to acquire more females though. At this point I’m starting to believe it may have something to do with Otana’s temperament.
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It is a bit of a mystery why Melbourne haven’t imported more females already and I agree concerns around how Otana would react to them could be one possible reason. I honestly think he’d have no problems accepting socially normal adolescent females and that their addition to the troop would greatly enhance the social dynamics.

Bringing in two females would ensure attention from Otana (and Kimya) is shared two ways and enable a smoother transition.

I think transferring Kanzi to Mogo is the best way to go. They’re in a precarious position with one of Kisane’s two females being a 44 year old female.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It is a bit of a mystery why Melbourne haven’t imported more females already and I agree concerns around how Otana would react to them could be one possible reason. I honestly think he’d have no problems accepting socially normal adolescent females and that their addition to the troop would greatly enhance the social dynamics.

Bringing in two females would ensure attention from Otana (and Kimya) is shared two ways and enable a smoother transition.

I think transferring Kanzi to Mogo is the best way to go. They’re in a precarious position with one of Kisane’s two females being a 44 year old female.
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Kimya would certainly have more of a chance concieving if additional females were acquired.

I don't see how any keeper would believe breeding gorillas in 1.1 situation would work out. Especially with the two individuals they have; and Kimya being in this position a decade ago and producing a similar result.
 
Jambo said:
Kimya would certainly have more of a chance concieving if additional females were acquired.

I don't see how any keeper would believe breeding gorillas in 1.1 situation would work out. Especially with the two individuals they have; and Kimya being in this position a decade ago and producing a similar result.
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The keeper said long term, he was hopeful more females would be brought in for Otana, but how soon that would happen I don’t know. Ideally Kanzi would remain until their integration, so Kimya wasn’t left in a 1.1 position. Mogo don’t imminently need her (assuming Kriba is in good health).

Taronga are essentially down to a 1.1 breeding pair (with 0.2 non breeding females). Especially given Kibale’s genetic value, that could be another destination for Kanzi.
 
Zoofan15 said:
The keeper said long term, he was hopeful more females would be brought in for Otana, but how soon that would happen I don’t know. Ideally Kanzi would remain until their integration, so Kimya wasn’t left in a 1.1 position. Mogo don’t imminently need her (assuming Kriba is in good health).

Taronga are essentially down to a 1.1 breeding pair (with 0.2 non breeding females). Especially given Kibale’s genetic value, that could be another destination for Kanzi.
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Given the amount of Gorillas in the EEP &SSP collections especially since they are close to if not at capacity, I find it somewhat surprising how any excess animals have not found there way into any Australian holders in resent years, Both Taronga and Melbourne had thriving groups even shipping young females out for some European zoos. How far can they reduce in size before they lack any significance?.
 
Zorro said:
Given the amount of Gorillas in the EEP &SSP collections especially since they are close to if not at capacity, I find it somewhat surprising how any excess animals have not found there way into any Australian holders in resent years, Both Taronga and Melbourne had thriving groups even shipping young females out for some European zoos. How far can they reduce in size before they lack any significance?.
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A by-product of the dwindling Australasian population is the difficultly in placing lone males. Otana is a prime example of a male who can’t go anywhere because he has no sons to transfer out with. Kaius is another example, with him currently living with a single ageing female and dependent on his parents to produce another son he could potentially be integrated with at adolescence.

By (initially) breeding at natural birth intervals, Taronga has a cohort of adolescent males that together form a ready made bachelor troop. Their father could potentially join them, but he’s the most genetically valuable in the region and it’d be preferable for him to continue breeding (especially with Fikiri deceased).

Things may well be up in the air until this Congo precinct at Taronga is locked in or canned, but once we know either way, I hope we will see some imports and breeding recommendations.
 
Zorro said:
Given the amount of Gorillas in the EEP &SSP collections especially since they are close to if not at capacity, I find it somewhat surprising how any excess animals have not found there way into any Australian holders in resent years, Both Taronga and Melbourne had thriving groups even shipping young females out for some European zoos. How far can they reduce in size before they lack any significance?.
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Zoofan15 said:
A by-product of the dwindling Australasian population is the difficultly in placing lone males. Otana is a prime example of a male who can’t go anywhere because he has no sons to transfer out with. Kaius is another example, with him currently living with a single ageing female and dependent on his parents to produce another son he could potentially be integrated with at adolescence.

By (initially) breeding at natural birth intervals, Taronga has a cohort of adolescent males that together form a ready made bachelor troop. Their father could potentially join them, but he’s the most genetically valuable in the region and it’d be preferable for him to continue breeding (especially with Fikiri deceased).

Things may well be up in the air until this Congo precinct at Taronga is locked in or canned, but once we know either way, I hope we will see some imports and breeding recommendations.
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If we can assume Otana has anything to do with Melbourne not receiving any new females - that would explain things on their behalf.

Taronga has been at capacity in recent years and the idea of the new Congo precinct was to give them more space to allow continuation of breeding and accommodate the younger males. With this up in the air, I can imagine breeding will be too until a concrete home can be found for the three young males. This would about the right time for a zoo like Adelaide to step up; but they've canned gorillas for a giraffe savannah.:rolleyes:
 
Jambo said:
If we can assume Otana has anything to do with Melbourne not receiving any new females - that would explain things on their behalf.

Taronga has been at capacity in recent years and the idea of the new Congo precinct was to give them more space to allow continuation of breeding and accommodate the younger males. With this up in the air, I can imagine breeding will be too until a concrete home can be found for the three young males. This would about the right time for a zoo like Adelaide to step up; but they've canned gorillas for a giraffe savannah.:rolleyes:
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It’s a real shame Sydney and Adelaide have canned their plans to acquire gorillas as that would have provided a huge service to the regional population. It would have cleared the way for Orana to import a family troop (finances permitting); and it’s not hard to imagine Adelaide would be receiving Taronga’s adolescent males in the near future. This would have freed up Taronga to breed a succession of infants, with the view of the inevitable males being housed in the bachelor troop long term. Female infants could boost the other troops 8-10 years from now.
 
Zoofan15 said:
It’s a real shame Sydney and Adelaide have canned their plans to acquire gorillas as that would have provided a huge service to the regional population. It would have cleared the way for Orana to import a family troop (finances permitting); and it’s not hard to imagine Adelaide would be receiving Taronga’s adolescent males in the near future. This would have freed up Taronga to breed a succession of infants, with the view of the inevitable males being housed in the bachelor troop long term. Female infants could boost the other troops 8-10 years from now.
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@Zoofan15 - would you happen to have any information on Orana's plans for their current two gorillas, or for their Great Ape Centre in general going forward? I know they planned to import Sumatran orangutans at one point, but this doesn't seem currently likely.
 
Orana Gorilla Update

An update from my friend that Fataki (2003) and Fuzu (2007) have had to be separated due to ongoing conflict. I imagine this has stemmed from Mahali’s death, which reduced the troop to males.

I don’t have confirmation of Orana’s plans from here, but obviously it isn’t ideal to have two males living individually. From what I’ve heard, Fataki was the instigator of the conflict, so it could be best to integrate Fuzu with other bachelor males.

Personally, I think the best move from here is for Taronga’s males to be sent to Orana to form the following troop:

1.0 Fuzu (2007)
1.0 Mjukuu (2014)
1.0 Fabumi (2015)
1.0 Mwamba (2017)

Prior to this, they could look at options for sending Fataki elsewhere or potentially retain him on the assumption the above makes will remain cohesive long term. Orana can potentially manage two groupings long term.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Orana Gorilla Update

An update from my friend that Fataki (2003) and Fuzu (2007) have had to be separated due to ongoing conflict. I imagine this has stemmed from Mahali’s death, which reduced the troop to males.

I don’t have confirmation of Orana’s plans from here, but obviously it isn’t ideal to have two males living individually. From what I’ve heard, Fataki was the instigator of the conflict, so it could be best to integrate Fuzu with other bachelor males.

Personally, I think the best move from here is for Taronga’s males to be sent to Orana to form the following troop:

1.0 Fuzu (2007)
1.0 Mjukuu (2014)
1.0 Fabumi (2015)
1.0 Mwamba (2017)

Prior to this, they could look at options for sending Fataki elsewhere or potentially retain him on the assumption the above makes will remain cohesive long term. Orana can potentially manage two groupings long term.
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Sending Taronga's males over was actually a thought of mine when I learned the facility had two enclosures. With three younger males arriving, there's the opportunity to mix and match the gorillas into groups that they feel comfortable in. The addition of three males would also benefit the troop dynamics if Fataki and Fuzu were to be re-introduced, so this is something to be considered too. As is the case with any animal, fighting can increase with the lack of other animals in the social setting.

Fataki isn't a valuable male and unfortunately related to all of the regions females. He's still of a decent age, so could be moved overseas to be a silverback if that's deemed the best move for him going forward.
 
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