Australasian Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[Zoofan15]

It's also mentioned that as of 2018, Yuska was still cycling at the age of 48! The keeper said they didn't want to risk breeding from her due to her age which is a shame considering her genetic value...if only Otana arrived five or so years earlier.

The keeper also mentions they only had a small amount of gorillas due to Otana's young age ie. they wanted him to get used to the role of being silverback...not sure if this was just a throwaway comment or perhaps the reason why they never decided to import any additional females.

Thanks for sharing!

Just a note that the reason Yuska didn’t breed again after the birth of Yakini in 1999 is because it was discovered during the caesarean that her uterus walls were abnormally thin. This could have caused placental detachment issues (placing her at very high risk during any future births). She therefore remained on contraception throughout the rest of her life.

I suspect the comments in 2018 (four years into Otana’s leadership) were a reference to them exercising caution in not placing undue stress on Otana (following his attack on Julia). While multiple females could be overwhelming for a young male establishing himself in the role, I remain of the opinion the social deficiencies of Otana’s females was the leading cause of the issues in this troop. Had he begun with 2-3 mother raised females, I’m sure he would have thrived in his role.

 

[Jambo]

Thanks for sharing!

Just a note that the reason Yuska didn’t breed again after the birth of Yakini in 1999 is because it was discovered during the caesarean that her uterus walls were abnormally thin. This could have caused placental detachment issues (placing her at very high risk during any future births). She therefore remained on contraception throughout the rest of her life.

I suspect the comments in 2018 (four years into Otana’s leadership) were a reference to them exercising caution in not placing undue stress on Otana (following his attack on Julia). While multiple females could be overwhelming for a young male establishing himself in the role, I remain of the opinion the social deficiencies of Otana’s females was the leading cause of the issues in this troop. Had he begun with 2-3 mother raised females, I’m sure he would have thrived in his role.

Thanks for that correction, I completely forgot about that re. Yuska.

It's a real shame all of the Melbourne girls never really got to exercise their reproductive potentials and establish their valuable genetics within the population. Mainly due to the fact that none could/were willing to raise their own offspring. Yuska especially was always more of a 'baby sitter' with her offspring, whilst G Anne and Julia showed little to no interest in the offspring when they were quite young.

It was really good to see Yuska step into a more maternal role following Kanzi's birth. She effectively served the 'grandmother' role within the troop and whilst Kimya was a more 'hands off' mother once Kanzi grew up, Yuska was always there still to play around with Kanzi and physically interact with her; a role she'd maintained with her own offspring previously.

On Otana; he's always been a really funny silverback to say the least. Watching this video really brought back a few comments I've heard from other keepers during keeper talks in the past. One keeper once described him as 'awkward'. To be honest I think it describes him really well; at times he doesn't seem so sure, yet is usually very quiet and complacent. At times, it's him essentially living on the periphery of his own troop - I remember he used to 'run away' from the girls to the opposite end of the exhibit (fair enough!). Seemingly, he wasn't sure at times how to approach situations at times; which is fair enough for a young, tentative blackback who was placed into a very difficult situation from day one.

 

[SugarPlumLucy]

Kanzi's shy behavior at the beginning is attributed by the keeper as to have been a potential result of Otana who may have been worked up out on exhibit before they all came inside. It's noted that all of the girls ran inside together which is unusual. Obviously the small group setting (and lack of adult females) wouldn't have helped any confrontations between any of the individuals.

Now that I can tell the difference between the females I will say that when I visited to the zoo in October of 2024 Otana was chasing Kanzi around the enclosure while Kimya sat in the middle covering her ears the whole time. He was doing when I got there at 9am and he did was doing it when I left 3pm.

 

[Jambo]

Now that I can tell the difference between the females I will say that when I visited to the zoo in October of 2024 Otana was chasing Kanzi around the enclosure while Kimya sat in the middle covering her ears the whole time. He was doing when I got there at 9am and he did was doing it when I left 3pm.

That's not good to hear; although I too have seen Otana do this. Kanzi likes to rark her father up in seek of attention and being the only infant of the group since her birth, she's been able to get away with a lot more than she otherwise would've.

Kimya's behavior of covering her ears is something she learned from her natal troop at Taronga. It seems it's a behavior that originates from Apenhaul as another female who grew up at the same facility does the same behavior. It's more of a bad habit - and Kimya just seems to do it more often than not for some reason. Her grandmother (Mouila) used to do it from what I've seen in videos but no where near as much as Kimya.

 

[Zoofan15]

Now that I can tell the difference between the females I will say that when I visited to the zoo in October of 2024 Otana was chasing Kanzi around the enclosure while Kimya sat in the middle covering her ears the whole time. He was doing when I got there at 9am and he did was doing it when I left 3pm.

That's not good to hear; although I too have seen Otana do this. Kanzi likes to rark her father up in seek of attention and being the only infant of the group since her birth, she's been able to get away with a lot more than she otherwise would've.

Kimya's behavior of covering her ears is something she learned from her natal troop at Taronga. It seems it's a behavior that originates from Apenhaul as another female who grew up at the same facility does the same behavior. It's more of a bad habit - and Kimya just seems to do it more often than not for some reason. Her grandmother (Mouila) used to do it from what I've seen in videos but no where near as much as Kimya.

Kijivu (1993), who is the older sister of Kimya (born at Apenheul; transferred to Taronga; and then went to Prague) is well known for covering her ears with her hands. Prague reported she does this when upset by something; and that she stops eating and covers her ears.

Mouila seldom did this; but I note that she was more confident/self-assured than her daughter Kriba, who would become upset for only minor reasons. With this in mind, I’m inclined to believe it could be triggered by stress, possibly becoming an ingrained behaviour they repeat during times of non-stress (like an elephant swaying).

 

[Trua]

After doing research on the European population; partly fueled by my desire to be more familiar with the population in light of the possibility of Melbourne potentially importing additional females, I thought I'd highlight the following four pairs of females which are all really good options for import.

I made sure to select females that are mother raised (very important especially given the circumstances), are of adequate age to move out (more than eight years old at least) and also unrelated to the rest of the region population for genetic purposes.

Melbourne will also need to acquire a pair of females now, so them arriving from the same facility will place them in best stead come introductions and settling in (ie. they'll have each others support during those processes. This made it much easier to narrow down a few specific pairs based on the factors mentioned above.

Here's the four most suitable pairs;

Firstly, this pair of sisters from Frankfurt - both are unrelated to the regional population and additionally, both are mother raised.

0.1 Wela (15/09/2016) Viatu x Shira
0.1 Xetsa (01/03/2017) Viatu x Dian

Secondly, this pair from Liepzig - both are unrelated to the regional population and both are also mother raised.

0.1 Diara (11/03/2014) Abeeku x Kumili
0.1 Kianga (04/12/2016) Abeeku x Kibara

Thirdly, this pair of sisters from Barcelona - again, both are unrelated to the regional population and also mother raised.

0.1 Virunguita (03/05/2015) Ebobo x N’Tua
0.1 Yoko (02/09/2015) Ebobo x Batanga

Lastly, this pair of sisters from Hannover - both are unrelated to the regions 'breeding' population and both are mother raised. Both are offspring of Melbourne born male Buzandi, and therefore grand children of Motaba and Betsy. It would be quite fitting to have them come across to Melbourne.

0.1 Anandi (13/11/2015) Batouri x Kathrin
0.1 Tara (22/04/2017) Batouri x Melima

Love this analysis.! I do agree it would be pleasant to have Motaba's grandchildren back at Melbourne.

When I visited Melbourne back in 03, Motaba was still with the main group and was quite an impressive boy. He was really good with the little ones. Wow, those ones were little cyclones running all over the shop. A group of us joked about how dad had been left on parent duties to round them all up and keep them from mischief. I didn't realise at the time the little ones had been hand raised.

I remember old Rigo was next door and he was a big fella as well. He just sat in one corner and eyed up everyone walking past. He looked up to no good, almost as if he was plotting an escape. He looked like he was!!! The orangs were right next door and they could climb the poles to peek over at him. I remember there being a baby born at the time to one of the girls. She would scurry off with her baby when there was any commotion. Usually coming from the gorilla exhibit. No surprises there. It's a shame to read and see how it's no longer the hive of activity like it once was...

 

[Trua]

Kijivu (1993), who is the older sister of Kimya (born at Apenheul; transferred to Taronga; and then went to Prague) is well known for covering her ears with her hands. Prague reported she does this when upset by something; and that she stops eating and covers her ears.

Mouila seldom did this; but I note that she was more confident/self-assured than her daughter Kriba, who would become upset for only minor reasons. With this in mind, I’m inclined to believe it could be triggered by stress, possibly becoming an ingrained behaviour they repeat during times of non-stress (like an elephant swaying).

I can't remember who, but one of the older females did it on occasion.

Kriba was a drama queen lol. Oh we used to hear stories about her and her antics!. She liked to pick fights with Frala and all the kids. And big Kibabu was a big sweetheart. It was often the family picking on him. Who would've thought!

 

[Zoofan15]

Love this analysis.! I do agree it would be pleasant to have Motaba's grandchildren back at Melbourne.

When I visited Melbourne back in 03, Motaba was still with the main group and was quite an impressive boy. He was really good with the little ones. Wow, those ones were little cyclones running all over the shop. A group of us joked about how dad had been left on parent duties to round them all up and keep them from mischief. I didn't realise at the time the little ones had been hand raised.

I remember old Rigo was next door and he was a big fella as well. He just sat in one corner and eyed up everyone walking past. He looked up to no good, almost as if he was plotting an escape. He looked like he was!!! The orangs were right next door and they could climb the poles to peek over at him. I remember there being a baby born at the time to one of the girls. She would scurry off with her baby when there was any commotion. Usually coming from the gorilla exhibit. No surprises there. It's a shame to read and see how it's no longer the hive of activity like it once was...

The three infants you described were:

1.0 Yakini (1999)
1.0 Ganyeka (2000)
0.1 Johari (2000)

They were peer-raised, but Johari’s social development was clearly impaired as a consequence of her hand-raising and growing up in a troop of socially deficient females; as well as living with Rigo from adolescent who was far from a normal silverback.

The orangutans you saw were Maimumah (1986) and her new son, Malu (2003).

I can't remember who, but one of the older females did it on occasion.

Kriba was a drama queen lol. Oh we used to hear stories about her and her antics!. She liked to pick fights with Frala and all the kids. And big Kibabu was a big sweetheart. It was often the family picking on him. Who would've thought!

It was quite obvious from videos I’ve seen that Kriba loved the drama. She would coming running over (carrying Kipenzi) when Kibabu was trying to discipline Fataki (who was backed by his mother Frala). In an earlier video when Mbeli was still in the troop (she transferred out in 2010), I saw Frala (with Fuzu hanging on), Mbeli and Kimya all support Fataki against Kibabu.

When Fataki became an adolescent, he would slap Mouila hard on the head and then Frala would run in to hit her also. She was always the dominant female, but once Frala had adolescent sons, she got a bit of power behind her (physically.)

 

[Jambo]

Love this analysis.! I do agree it would be pleasant to have Motaba's grandchildren back at Melbourne.

When I visited Melbourne back in 03, Motaba was still with the main group and was quite an impressive boy. He was really good with the little ones. Wow, those ones were little cyclones running all over the shop. A group of us joked about how dad had been left on parent duties to round them all up and keep them from mischief. I didn't realise at the time the little ones had been hand raised.

I remember old Rigo was next door and he was a big fella as well. He just sat in one corner and eyed up everyone walking past. He looked up to no good, almost as if he was plotting an escape. He looked like he was!!! The orangs were right next door and they could climb the poles to peek over at him. I remember there being a baby born at the time to one of the girls. She would scurry off with her baby when there was any commotion. Usually coming from the gorilla exhibit. No surprises there. It's a shame to read and see how it's no longer the hive of activity like it once was...

Thank you - it would be wonderful to have Motaba's grandchildren back at Melbourne, especially as Motoba still alive and kicking at Werribee alongside his own sons Yakini and Ganyeka, of whom are the uncles of those girls.

It would've been quite the time back then with three little gorillas running around. I can only think of the mayhem they would've caused; Taronga equally had quite a popular and active troop that always were up to something. Motaba was essentially the only 'socially normal' gorilla they had, so it's probably a good thing he was always on parenting duties. He's done well with his sons who don't seem to be as socially deficient as Johari. I'd hope to see one of them leading a troop in the future; although it's likely nothing more than a pipe dream due to their ages now and their upbringing.

I remember reading a story about Rigo who used to love throwing rocks at visitors. So much so that they ended up installing a small mesh barrier at the front of his grotto. This was back in the 80's of course, and come the 90's he had essentially been shifted off display most of the time. Many considered him to be 'anti social' but it doesn't appear he was ever given the chance with a troop up until 2006. He seemed to take on the role quite well too - and was even witnessed mating by some accounts on here, something he previously failed to do.

It was quite obvious from videos I’ve seen that Kriba loved the drama. She would coming running over (carrying Kipenzi) when Kibabu was trying to discipline Fataki (who was backed by his mother Frala). In an earlier video when Mbeli was still in the troop (she transferred out in 2010), I saw Frala (with Fuzu hanging on), Mbeli and Kimya all support Fataki against Kibabu.

When Fataki became an adolescent, he would slap Mouila hard on the head and then Frala would run in to hit her also. She was always the dominant female, but once Frala had adolescent sons, she got a bit of power behind her (physically.)

I too have seen many videos of the former Taronga troop and they always seemed to be in conflict of some sort. Usually it was instigated by the young gorillas (Fataki, Mbeli and Kimya) who like all kids, liked to stir problems for attention - similar to Kanzi at Melbourne. But poor Kibabu had to deal with his females bickering too. It's quite obvious why Mouila was his favorite - she was easily the most quiet of the three adult females. The other two on the other hand...

 

[Pertinax]

I remember reading a story about Rigo who used to love throwing rocks at visitors. So much so that they ended up installing a small mesh barrier at the front of his grotto. This was back in the 80's of course,

I remember seeing him in that situation. He was a faeces-thrower too, there was some stuck on the netting which stretched right across the length of the exhibit. He was a superb-looking animal back then. I attributed his behaviour mainly to how close visitors could get to the grotto display, though he wasn't alone as many single or lonely gorillas (mostly in the past now) have developed these behaviours.

 

[Zoofan15]

I remember seeing him in that situation. He was a faeces-thrower too, there was some stuck on the netting which stretched right across the length of the exhibit. He was a superb-looking animal back then. I attributed his behaviour mainly to how close visitors could get to the grotto display, though he wasn't alone as many single or lonely gorillas (mostly in the past now) have developed these behaviours.

Rigo’s history is so unfortunate. It’s clear being taken from his natal troop at a young age had a profound affect on his social development, though it’s interesting to note he was captured at the age of three, which gave him a significant advantage compared to males captured at younger ages.

Since he was noted to be a large male in this thread, I wonder if his age upon arrival was estimated to be greater than it was and he was in fact younger.

 

[Pertinax]

. At times, it's him essentially living on the periphery of his own troop - I remember he used to 'run away' from the girls to the opposite end of the exhibit (fair enough!)..

That is also fairly classic behaviour in many troops- if the male steps out of line e.g. by being rough with another individual, the females gang up on him and it develops into a screaming chase where he runs away from them. There are many online videos of this from zoos around the world. Often a silverback treats it like a game and may even start it himself. Once again I feel there is nothing(?) unusual about Otana- he just got dealt a bad deal with the initial group he had.

 

[Pertinax]

Rigo’s history is so unfortunate. It’s clear being taken from his natal troop at a young age had a profound affect on his social development, though it’s interesting to note he was captured at the age of three, which gave him a significant advantage compared to males captured at younger ages.

Since he was noted to be a large male in this thread, I wonder if his age upon arrival was estimated to be greater than it was and he was in fact younger.

I think had Rigo either later been given, or arrived with, say, two or three females, not just one and then this group allowed to grow up and develop like that, it would have in all probability been successful and Rigo would have behaved very differently. As it was, with the arrival of Buluman and Betsy from Taronga, they had two pairs- or a trio and an odd male out, depending on how they kept them. Which meant one of the males was alone offshow. The first time I went to Melbourne I saw them in the old grottoes- two females and a male who, for some reason, I presumed was Rigo- I think I was unaware at that time they actually had the two males. Later examination of my (one!) photo (photography wasn't the same back then!) showed me it was in fact Buluman, so Rigo must have been offshow alone on my visit day. Even if they swapped them around (which creates its own problems) this type of management would have done nothing for his development, then followed by years of complete 'solitary'. It was a tragedy for him really.

 

[Jambo]

That is also fairly classic behaviour in many troops- if the male steps out of line e.g. by being rough with another individual, the females gang up on him and it develops into a screaming chase where he runs away from them. There are many online videos of this from zoos around the world. Often a silverback treats it like a game and may even start it himself. Once again I feel there is nothing(?) unusual about Otana- he just got dealt a bad deal with the initial group he had.

Yeah that sounds accurate - but from what I saw this seemed to be his own choice. It was more unusual to see Otana in close proximity of his girls.

In comparison I've seen videos of the type of behavior you mention occurring at Taronga with their former troop; the girls (and juveniles) would gang up and chase Kibabu around. Usually following an attempt of his to discipline one of the kids.

 

[Zoofan15]

I think had Rigo either later been given, or arrived with, say, two or three females, not just one and then this group allowed to grow up and develop like that, it would have in all probability been successful and Rigo would have behaved very differently. As it was, with the arrival of Buluman and Betsy from Taronga, they had two pairs- or a trio and an odd male out, depending on how they kept them. Which meant one of the males was alone offshow. The first time I went to Melbourne I saw them in the old grottoes- two females and a male who, for some reason, I presumed was Rigo- I think I was unaware at that time they actually had the two males. Later examination of my (one!) photo (photography wasn't the same back then!) showed me it was in fact Buluman, so Rigo must have been offshow alone on my visit day. Even if they swapped them around (which creates its own problems) this type of management would have done nothing for his development, then followed by years of complete 'solitary'. It was a tragedy for him really.

That’s a good point - especially when you compare him to Bongo at Apenheul, who arrived approaching his second birthday. He was able to mate with multiple females once he matured, possibly as a result of growing up in a larger troop (increased socialisation).

Bongo arrived with Mouila; but grew up with multiple juveniles who arrived in the years that followed (troop size of 2.6 by 1976), including Mintha (mother of Frala).

 

[Jambo]

I think had Rigo either later been given, or arrived with, say, two or three females, not just one and then this group allowed to grow up and develop like that, it would have in all probability been successful and Rigo would have behaved very differently. As it was, with the arrival of Buluman and Betsy from Taronga, they had two pairs- or a trio and an odd male out, depending on how they kept them. Which meant one of the males was alone offshow. The first time I went to Melbourne I saw them in the old grottoes- two females and a male who, for some reason, I presumed was Rigo- I think I was unaware at that time they actually had the two males. Later examination of my (one!) photo (photography wasn't the same back then!) showed me it was in fact Buluman, so Rigo must have been offshow alone on my visit day. Even if they swapped them around (which creates its own problems) this type of management would have done nothing for his development, then followed by years of complete 'solitary'. It was a tragedy for him really.

When Mzuri was born, I don't think he was ever introduced to his father, but he certainly met Buluman. I'm not sure why this was the case but perhaps they were afraid of a negative interaction between the two and Buluman was a better male to meet Mzuri due to his rather docile nature. However it's no wonder Mzuri later struggled at Jersey when you consider he was effectively raised in a troop with Buluman as the silverback. Buluman would've been a poor role model.

Melbourne's gorilla groupings back then were a little interesting - I know Yuska seemed to get annoyed with Mzuri quite easily, so he spent a lot of his time just in a pair with Betsy. This would've meant the other three gorillas would've been kept off display (ie. indoors!).

Melbourne have a sizeable indoor day room and unfortunately that is where Rigo spent most of his time (especially during the 90's). From that room; he could peer into the kitchen through a window and this was something he was well known for.

 

[Pertinax]

That’s a good point - especially when you compare him to Bongo at Apenheul, who arrived approaching his second birthday. He was able to mate with multiple females once he matured, possibly as a result of growing up in a larger troop (increased socialisation).

Bongo arrived with Mouila; but grew up with multiple juveniles who arrived in the years that followed (troop size of 2.6 by 1976), including Mintha (mother of Frala).

Yes, Bongo proved very successful. The original group was males; Bongo and Balu, and females (I think this is correct);Tsimi, Lobo, Irala, Mouila, Mandji and Mintha(the last two are still there) + Dalila who joined Apenheul later as an adult from either Copenhagen or Givskud( can't remember which without looking it up) It was one of the first European groups that was started that way, with all babies/juveniles, Stuttgart was another.

 

[Pertinax]

Yeah that sounds accurate - but from what I saw this seemed to be his own choice. It was more unusual to see Otana in close proximity of his girls.

In comparison I've seen videos of the type of behavior you mention occurring at Taronga with their former troop; the girls (and juveniles) would gang up and chase Kibabu around. Usually following an attempt of his to discipline one of the kids.

The chasing thing happens in groups everywhere. As you said, punishing a juvenile sometimes starts it.
Where there is a lot of space in the enclosure the silverback will typically often spend a lot of his time at some distance from the others, it just seems to be their way. The others are always watching him though and tend to follow if he moves somewhere else. I think Melbourne has one of the finest outdoor enclosures I've ever seen incidentally. Give Otana (say) two or three ( incidentally the EEP recommended number) properly socialised/mother-raised females and I feel he would just behave like any other normal male.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes, Bongo proved very successful. The original group was males; Bongo and Balu, and females (I think this is correct);Tsimi, Lobo, Irala, Mouila, Mandji and Mintha(the last two are still there) + Dalila who joined Apenheul later as an adult from either Copenhagen or Givskud( can't remember which without looking it up) It was one of the first European groups that was started that way, with all babies/juveniles, Stuttgart was another.

Bongo’s first offspring were:

0.1 Kriba (09/08/1979) to Mouila
0.1 Frala (20/06/1981) to Mintha
1.0 Lukas (10/12/1982) to Mandji
0.1 Dihi (27/04/1984) to Mintha
1.0 Pesco (19/05/1986) to Lobo
0.1 Kolo (16/10/1986) to Mandji
0.1 Pabebo (18/03/1987) to Tsimi

Mouila not breeding a second time with Bongo made her the perfect candidate to transition out with her then eight year old daughter into Kibabu’s troop when he arrived; joined by Frala.

0.1 Dalila (1972) arrived 1991 and had one offspring with Kibabu in 1993 (died at six months); three offspring with Bongo between 1994 and 2002; and two offspring with Makula in 2011 and 2012.

0.1 Irala (1985) arrived 1997 and gave birth to her first offspring with Bongo in 1999.

 

[Pertinax]

Dalila is somthing of a legend, I always think that facially she resembles those gorilla masks in the Planet of the Apes films..she is nowadays at Gaia Park also in Netherlands, and their group matriarch. She has even adopted the male baby born recently whose mother sadly died.

Dihi I also know as she is in one of the Howletts UK groups and still breeding.