Harambe documentary

[TheFrogLady]

Protests of *what*? People letting their kids get into enclosures?

To be fair, little kids have the uncanny ability of escaping even the most attentive of parents (not saying that they should be responsible in making sure their kids get away). Of course, there are also those parents who don't pay any attention to their kids...

 

[JVM]

I would love to see a balanced documentary about the incident that sheds light on the complexity of the situation and difficulty of making decisions when something like this unfolds, shame it sounds to be propaganda for one side instead.

 

[TheFrogLady]

I would love to see a balanced documentary about the incident that sheds light on the complexity of the situation and difficulty of making decisions when something like this unfolds, shame it sounds to be propaganda for one side instead.

Agreed. After all, this was a complicated, tragic event that raised a lot of questions. Who was truly responsible for Harambe's death? The parents? The zoo? A combination of both? Could they have saved the child without killing Harambe? What can we learn from this so something like this will never happen again? A documentary that looks at the issue from all sides and interviews a wide variety of people, including people who have ACTUALLY worked with captive gorillas like Hararmbe's keepers, some witnesses, maybe some anti-zoo people to hear the other side of the argument, etc. That film would TRULY appeal to their intellect and actually let the viewer come to their conclusions.

 

[Erik E. Crown]

On May 28, 2024, there will be protests at zoos worldwide in honor of the first ever "Harambe Day", which commemorate the death of Harambe the Gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016. They will feature screenings of the documentary "Harambe" which premiered in last year in September.

https://abc6onyourside.com/news/loc...ctions-child-kid-shot-killed-footage-wildlife

Hi everyone, my name is Erik and I directed the Harambe documentary and would love to continue an open dialogue with you! Please check the movie out for free on Tubi and check out what our position is. I feel ro often things are pitted incorrectly as pro zoo and anti zoo, I think we are all pro animal and only conversation can advance both sides working together for the best of the gorillas and other sentient animals. Please feel free to email your thoughts to harambemovie@gmail.com or connect with me on Facebook or here. I'm looking forward to talking more!

 

[Erik E. Crown]

Agreed. After all, this was a complicated, tragic event that raised a lot of questions. Who was truly responsible for Harambe's death? The parents? The zoo? A combination of both? Could they have saved the child without killing Harambe? What can we learn from this so something like this will never happen again? A documentary that looks at the issue from all sides and interviews a wide variety of people, including people who have ACTUALLY worked with captive gorillas like Hararmbe's keepers, some witnesses, maybe some anti-zoo people to hear the other side of the argument, etc. That film would TRULY appeal to their intellect and actually let the viewer come to their conclusions.

According to the USDA investigation, the Zoo was responsible, and they quickly updated their fence. How it had passed before the event from inspection is another whole issue, how well are zoos really examined for safety? One disappointing aspect is that the Zoo community would not engage in any conversation, we reached out to everyone involved, and other Zoo board members to represent the Zoo perspective, but nobody would participate. All we get are angry reactions from people in the Zoo industry, usually people that have not even seen the movie. How can we discuss a movie you all have not seen? I would hope you all will watch, then let us know ways we can improve and learn more from both sides as we continue to question what is best for sentient beings. It's all still an important discussion to have and we hope the captivity industry folks will engage in dialogue about the Zoo industry and conservation.

 

[Lafone]

According to the USDA investigation, the Zoo was responsible, and they quickly updated their fence. How it had passed before the event from inspection is another whole issue, how well are zoos really examined for safety? One disappointing aspect is that the Zoo community would not engage in any conversation, we reached out to everyone involved, and other Zoo board members to represent the Zoo perspective, but nobody would participate. All we get are angry reactions from people in the Zoo industry, usually people that have not even seen the movie. How can we discuss a movie you all have not seen? I would hope you all will watch, then let us know ways we can improve and learn more from both sides as we continue to question what is best for sentient beings. It's all still an important discussion to have and we hope the captivity industry folks will engage in dialogue about the Zoo industry and conservation.

It's unfortunate you describe it as the 'captive industry' and the 'zoo industry'. It speaks to a starting position for any conversation and frankly it will be why a lot of people will not speak to you. Most people here don't actually work in zoos. If you visit a site discussing films, do you assume everyone is a professional in the film industry? 'Pro zoo' is a silly term anyway. It implies people defend all zoos, even if they are bad zoos. Being 'anti' something doesn't mean people think the exact opposite, it's a false narrative.

I'd guess in your post 'sentient beings' isn't being used in the Buddhist sense.

Would you really have made this film, or had support to make it, if Harambe hadn't become a social media meme? I'd wager that most of the people who watch your film can't name the child involved and most wouldn't even remember which zoo, or where it was. Genuine concern? Or meme...

To ask 'how well are zoos examined for safety' suggests a lack of research. You could have sought information on how zoos are inspected, or examined or licensed. I don't work in a zoo (or indeed in films) and can easily find out how zoos are inspected in the country I live in, for example.

'All we get are angry reactions'. Does it really make people 'angry'? It's great to stoke the fire in the hope of provoking a reaction so you can say 'see I told you I was right' or whatever, that's your job after all. Suggesting the 'angry' zoo folk didn't like your message is a broad brush. The anger appears to sit on the side of people planning a protest outside a zoo where something happened eight years ago. People who are angry at a thing want the 'other side' to be angry too. After all, if they aren't, why be so furious in the first place. Then you'd have to have an adult conversation on the role zoos can play. Wonder how many of the protestors highlighted earlier in this thread want one of those.

At what point would you authentically expect enthusiasm for a film which takes only one perspective? It's a complex issue with many questions; answering 50% of them and dictating the answers of the other 50% based on assumption isn't balanced, or interesting.

These days people watch stuff that leans in to the perspective they already agree with and so film makers often take a position to ensure an audience. Understandable. But it means you are preaching to the converted. Where's the analysis and debate if you didn't even research zoo licensing and inspection?

I think you also over estimate the value of the film. 'how can we discuss a film we have not watched' is better phrased as 'why should we discuss this film at all'?

I'd watch a film about preserving wild habitats, encouraging conservation in the wild and education in captive settings where the highest welfare standards are established in law and preserved in practice. All ensuring there are gorillas and other animals for the next generation to marvel at, as we can.

 

[Erik E. Crown]

Thank you for the insightful and well-thought-out points you bring to the table! My biggest question is this - how does the Gorilla breeding Zoo program conservation? it does not place any animals back into the wild, they are usually bred for zoo baby season (the spring). I would like to find the positive ways Zoos assist in conservation

 

[Zoofan15]

they are usually bred for zoo baby season (the spring).

What’s your source for this out of interest?

A quick glance at the North American, European and Australasian gorilla populations show births all year round (with no observable trend). Once a female is put into a breeding situation/taken off contraception, there’s no guarantees of an infant being born 8.5 months later.

 

[15399]

Thank you for the insightful and well-thought-out points you bring to the table! My biggest question is this - how does the Gorilla breeding Zoo program conservation? it does not place any animals back into the wild, they are usually bred for zoo baby season (the spring). I would like to find the positive ways Zoos assist in conservation

While there haven't been a gorilla re-introduction program, there are many species in which zoos have had successful reintroduction programs for, including Przewalski's wild horse, scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian oryx, American bison, Mexican gray wolves, golden lion tamarins, American burying beetles, Puerto Rican crested toads, Kihansi spray toads, and more.

That said, even if gorillas aren't involved in a re-introduction program, that doesn't mean zoos are not contributing to gorilla conservation. A number of zoos have worked into their gorilla exhibits information about recycling phones and other electronic devices- as one of the major threats to gorillas is mining for coltan, which is used in phone batteries. Look at this map from Eco-Cell, the company working on recycling coltan from phones, and notice how many of the drop-off locations are zoos and aquariums: https://www.eco-cell.com/drop-off-locations.

If you are looking for a zoo doing even more work for gorilla conservation, look no further than the Bronx Zoo- which through its parent organization, Wildlife Conservation Society, contributes millions to conservation, with gorillas being one of their priority taxa. More information can be found here: Gorillas - WCS.org

As for your point about being "bred for zoo baby season", that's utterly false. AZA zoos don't breed more animals than they have to, but monitored breeding is important to ensure we maintain genetically and demographically healthy populations of animals in captivity long term. There are over 40 zoos in the AZA with gorillas, however in most years the number of births is in the single digits- and are from AZA-recommended breeding pairs that ensure the genetic sustainability of the population.

Conservation is a lot more than just releasing animals to the wild, and zoos are still having both direct and indirect contributions to gorilla conservation even if a reintroduction program is not currently in progress. Conservation is also supporting field efforts with finances and the expertise of staff. Conservation is also educating the public about the ways they can contribute to saving wildlife. Conservation is also doing research on zoo populations that can have applications to the field. Conservation is also supporting the preservation of wild habitat for animals. Conservation is also promoting sustainable practices closer to home. In all of these ways and more, zoos are directly contributing to the conservation of endangered species, including gorillas.

 

[Erik E. Crown]

Sadly, their gorilla program offers nothing to gorillas in the wild, except for under 1% of the gross revenue that they contribute. But breeding sentient beings for ticket sales of zoo babies is a cruel practice that should be stopped. As we evolve so should our relationship to animals.

 

[FBBird]

Sadly, their gorilla program offers nothing to gorillas in the wild, except for under 1% of the gross revenue that they contribute. But breeding sentient beings for ticket sales of zoo babies is a cruel practice that should be stopped. As we evolve so should our relationship to animals.

What a thoroughly unpleasant perspective on life

 

[Erik E. Crown]

What’s your source for this out of interest?

A quick glance at the North American, European and Australasian gorilla populations show births all year round (with no observable trend). Once a female is put into a breeding situation/taken off contraception, there’s no guarantees of an infant being born 8.5 months later.

Most Zoos tout their Zoo baby season like Cincinnati where Harambe was killed.

Since most are bred using birth control, the Spring is usually good for Zoo babies! Zoo Babies - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

plus zoos see tickets rise up to 30% if they have a baby gorilla on display

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

plus zoos see tickets rise up to 30% if they have a baby gorilla on display

Do you have a source for this data?

 

[Erik E. Crown]

What a thoroughly unpleasant perspective on life

Agreed! I too feel terrible for them that this is their reality. Loud noises all day, bad diets, not enough space to roam, hot wires on tress they would naturally climb, and life in small cage nighthouses. They must be so baffled all of the time, one thing we know is that they suffer from "zoochosis", permanent damage manifested in pacing, and other stress habits.

There must be a better way to treat our relatives we share 98% DNA with

 

[StoppableSan]

Agreed! I too feel terrible for them that this is their reality. Loud noises all day, bad diets, not enough space to roam, hot wires on tress they would naturally climb, and life in small cage nighthouses. They must be so baffled all of the time, one thing we know is that they suffer from "zoochosis", permanent damage manifested in pacing, and other stress habits.

There must be a better way to treat our relatives we share 98% DNA with

Agreed, it's called the following:

• Recycling your old cellphones so the Congo doesn't continuously get strip-mined for coltan.
• Donating to the Dian Fossey Foundation.
• Visiting reputable zoos that genuinely care for their animals, which is most if not all AZA zoos.
• *not* pushing a seemingly one-sided, anthropomorphizing documentary on a beyond unfortunate situation.

To address your individual points:

• Loud noises all day: I can agree to an extent, which is why zoos employ measures like acoustic tiles (National's Ape House) or carpeting to soften the noise from guests. Foliage as utilized in zoos like Bronx, Sedgwick County and North Carolina also help. I do think zoos should have docents to "shush" visitors.
• Bad diets: this point makes no sense. Diets have DRASTICALLY improved and continue to improve. When I read "Hey Mister, Your Alligator's Loose!" by Gary Clarke and "The Stationary Ark" by Gerald Durrell, they both highlighted how zoo diets have drastically improved to benefit animal health. Before, the mentality was just to feed an animal enough to survive. Nowadays, varied diets and pellets from companies like Zupreem and Mazuri have eradicated any malaise an animal would get from an otherwise nutritionally deficient diet. If an animal's coat is shiny and their eyes are bright, that's one indicator that an animal is doing well in a zoo setting. Zoos have also been open about what they feed their animals, all you gotta do is ask.
• Hot wire on trees: no hotwire, no trees. Great apes are incredibly heavy, incredibly intelligent and incredibly destructive. Philadelphia allows their gibbons and orangutans access to live trees, and once the sycamore trees in the gorilla exhibit are better established (which they have been establishing over the past 12-14 years), the hotwire'll be taken off of those. Leipzig Zoo has a good system where they "rotate" which trees their great apes have access to in order to allow the remaining trees time to regenerate. Kansas City's chimpanzee exhibit (to my knowledge) has ZERO hotwire, though the exhibit is also three acres.
• Life in "small cage nighthouses" - have you seen Zoo Atlanta's ape nighthouses? Or Bronx's gorilla nighthouse? Or Auckland Zoo's orangutan facility? Or Los Angeles' chimp penthouse? (Which was praised by Jane Goodall as one of the best chimpanzee facilities in the world). Zoos have animals in nighthouses to A, give the plants in the exhibit time to breathe and B, keep the animals safe at night or especially during bad weather. That said, zoos are now allowing animals the choice to go between their night quarters, dayrooms or outside exhibits at night, though the latter usually means beefed-up security.

 

[15399]

Most Zoos tout their Zoo baby season like Cincinnati where Harambe was killed.

Since most are bred using birth control, the Spring is usually good for Zoo babies! Zoo Babies - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

plus zoos see tickets rise up to 30% if they have a baby gorilla on display

Look, you are just making things up here that are completely untrue. You can look at this post right here:

January 2023 North American Western Lowland Gorilla Population.

The North American Western Lowland Gorilla Population
This document keeps a record of all births, deaths, locations, and transfers of all Western Lowland Gorillas in North America. This document will be constantly updated to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. Feel free to leave any new information in the comments of this thread.​

Gorillas Galore - Captive Gorilla Lists - Stud Book
https://www.gorillasland.com/north-american-database.php
http://alouattasen.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/5/6/8956452/gorillastudbook2013-5f518590.pdf
http://www.gorillassp.org/MembersSection/MembersOnlyForms/AZA Studbook W. lowland gorilla_2007.pdf

The facilities are organized by country, then in alphabetical order by the name of the facility. The individuals were organized by age.

Total Facilities with Western Lowland Gorilla: 51; 47 United States; 3 Canada; 1 Mexico
Total Amount of Individuals: 356 (168.188.0); 160.176.0 United States; 8.10.0 Canada; 0.2 Mexico


CANADA

Calgary Zoo - Calgary, Alberta, Canada - 1.6.0
0.1, Zuri - December 31, 1996 - Barney x Juju
1.0, Jasiri - June 21, 1998 - Ozoum x Katoomba
0.1, Kiojah - January 24, 2001 - Zuri x Tunko "Joanie"
0.1, N'Yasha "Dossi" - February 6, 2001 - Zuri x Pattycake
0.1, Yewande - May 15, 2008 - Kakinga x Zuri
0.1, Kimani - March 9, 2016 - Kakinga x Kiojah
0.1, Eyare - April 20, 2022 - Jasiri x N’Yasha

Toronto Zoo - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - 3.4.0
1.0, Charles - 1972 - Wild-Caught - Breed to N’Gozi
0.1, N'Gozi - March 18, 1998 - VIP x Amanda
0.1, Johari - May 12, 2001 - Charles x Josephine
1.0, Sadiki - March 7, 2005 - Charles x Samantha
1.0, Nassir - September 2, 2009 - Charles x N'Gozi
0.1, N'Neka - January 9, 2014 - Charles x N'Gozi
0.1, Charlie - June 12, 2018 - Charles x N’Gozi
Group 1: Charles, N’Gozi, Johari, N’Neka, Charlie
Group 2: Sadiki, Nassir

Zoo de Granby - Granby, Québec, Canada - 4.0.0
1.0, Jawara - February 8, 1998 - Kakinga x Julia
1.0, Louie - May 12, 1999 - Jabari x Nne Kizazi
1.0, Zwalani - January 14, 2000 - Kakinga x Tabitha
1.0, Kuchimba - June 29, 2002 - Zuri x Honi


MEXICO

Guadalajara Zoo - Guadalajara, Mexico - 0.2.0
0.1, Chencha "Chiquita" - May 17, 1986 - Wild-Caught
0.1, Faustina - March 21, 1994 - Chato x Chencha


UNITED STATES

Albuquerque Biological Park - Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA - 4.4.0
0.1, Matadi - February 9, 1982 - Otto x Helen
1.0, Pierre Pont “Jack” - January 6, 2001 - Zuri x Julia
1.0, Mashudu - July 13, 2001 - Marcus x Matadi
1.0, Kojo - November 5, 2001 - Kuja x Mandara
0.1, Nia Lewa - November 23, 2002 - Akbar x Kitani
1.0, Hasani - November 11, 2004 - Marcus x Hope
0.1, Samantha - October 14, 2006 - Moja x Penny
0.1, Mashika - August 10, 2022 - Kojo x Samantha
Group 1: Nia Lewa, Samantha, Kojo, Matadi, Mashika
Group 2: Pierre Pont, Mashudu, Hasani

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA - 1.3.0
0.1, Alafia - November 30, 1990 - Pete x Nina
1.0, Okpara - July 11, 1993 - Tiny Tim x Pattycake
0.1, Praline - January 15, 1996 - Kitombe x Binti
0.1, Tumani - January 31, 2007 - Rafiki x Asha

Bronx Zoo - Bronx, New York, USA - 8.11.0
0.1, Julia - July 6, 1980 - Chuma x Kay
0.1, Tunko "Joanie" - October 4, 1984 - Kongo x Tunuka
0.1, Triska - July 21, 1986 - Bender x Huerfanita
1.0, N'Tondo - February 28, 1993 - Kakinga x Julia
0.1, Tuti - July 11, 1994 - Timmy x Tunko "Joanie"
0.1, Halima - February 17, 1997 - Timmy x Huerfanita
0.1, Layla - April 29, 1998 - Timmy x Huerfanita
0.1, Kumi - June 30, 1998 - Tiny Tim x Tunuka
0.1, Suki - July 10, 2000 - Timmy x Triska
1.0, Johari - September 8, 2005 - Zuri x Julia
1.0, Babatunde - January 11, 2006 - Zuri x Imani
1.0, Barraca - February 19, 2006 - Fubo x Triska
0.1, Barbara "Sia" - March 21, 2006 - Fubo x Halima
1.0, M'Domo - July 9, 2006 - Fubo x Fran
0.1, M'Jukuu - March 10, 2014 - Ernie x Julia
1.0, Lincoln "Mizani" - April 17, 2014 - Ernie x Tuti
0.1, Kamara - January 17, 2015 - Ernie x Layla
1.0, Mokonzi - January 19, 2015 - Ernie x Kumi
1.0, Kidogo Njemba - July 16, 2015 - Ernie x Suki
Group 1: Julia, Tuti, Layla, Kumi, Suki, M’Jukuu, Lincoln, Kamara, Mokonzi, Kidogo Njemba
Group 2: Tunko, Triska, N’Tondo, Halima, Barbara
Group 3: Johari, Babatunde, Barraca, M’Domo

Brookfield Zoo - Brookfield, Illinois, USA - 1.5.0
0.1, Binti Jua - March 17, 1988 - Sunshine x Lulu
0.1, Koola - February 21 1995 - Abraham x Binti Jua
0.1, Kamba - September 1, 2004 - Ramar x Koola
0.1, Nora - November 4, 2013 - JoJo x Koola
1.0, Zachary - September 23, 2015 - JoJo x Kamba
0.1, Ali - June 1, 2018 - JoJo x Koola

Buffalo Zoo - Buffalo, New York, USA - 2.3.0
1.0, Koga - August 14, 1987 - Kongo x Tunuka
0.1, Sidney - April 6, 1997 - Omega x Kwizera
0.1, Lily Rose - December 19, 2000 - Omega x Becky
0.1, Nyah - September 4, 2013 - Koga x Lily Rose
1.0, Kayin - January 10, 2016 - Koga x Sidney

Busch Gardens Tampa - Tampa, Florida, USA - 3.1.0
0.1, Kishina - August 7, 1972 - Ozoum x Paki
1.0, Bolingo - November 18, 2005 - Cenzoo (Nick) x Kishina
1.0, Enzi - December 16, 2014 - Bolingo x Iwa "Pele" Rafiki
1.0, Oliver - August 26, 2016 - Bolingo x Mary
Group 1: Bolingo, Enzi, Oliver → maybe Kishina?
Group 2: Kishina

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA - 1.4.0
0.1, Roxie - July 31, 1976 - Mimbo x Rebecca
0.1, Juju - October 26, 1980 - Fubo x Shamba
1.0, Goma - March 31, 1991 - Omega x Becky
0.1, Asha - October 5, 1992 - Barney x Juju
0.1, Kwisha - December 19, 1992 - Babec x Madge

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA - 3.8.0
1.0, Ndume - October 10, 1981 - Ramses I x Mata Hari
0.1, M'Linzi - December 7, 1982 - Rames I x Amani
1.0, Mshindi - October 17, 1987 - Freddy x Kivu
0.1, Mara - August 13, 1995 - Chaka x M'Linzi
0.1, Chewie - September 17, 1995 - Chaka x Muke
0.1, Bandi - September 13, 1997 - Mimbo x Ibo "Priscilla"
1.0, M’Beli - May 27, 2002 - Ozoum x Banga
0.1, Tulivu - May 2, 2004 - Kelly x Rapunzel
0.1, Gladys Stones - January 29, 2013 - Moja x Kaizi Kitamu
0.1, Mondika "Mona" - August 4, 2014 - Jomo x Asha
0.1, Elle - August 25, 2015 - Jomo x Anju
Group 1: Chwei, M’Beli, Gladys Mondika, Elle
Group 2: Mshindi, Bandi, Tuliva
Group 3: Ndume, Mara, M’Linzi

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Cleveland, Ohio, USA - 2.4.0
0.1, Fredrika - June 5, 1975 - Moemba x Kathryn
1.0, Mokolo - July 10, 1987 - Koundu x Jorayk
0.1, Tusa - December 2, 1989 - Kongo x Tunuka
0.1, Kebi Moyo - January 13, 1991 - Sunshine x Lulu
0.1, N’Neka - September 24, 1998 - Mkubawa x Bawang “Bahati”
1.0, Kayembe - October 26, 2021 - Mokolo x N’Neka

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Delaware County, Ohio, USA - 5.9.0
0.1, Kinyani - March 16, 1983 - Calabar x Kishina
1.0, Baron Macombo II "Mac" - October 26, 1983 - Oscar x Bridgette
0.1, Tabibu - April 30,1992 - Gino x Hope
0.1, Casode “Cassie” - August 15, 1993 - Oscar x Pongi
0.1, Nia - December 21, 1993 - Tatu x Fredrika
1.0, K'Tembe - March 13, 1997 - Augustus x Mandara
0.1, Mo'Ana - October 20, 2001 - Tatu x Kali
0.1, Susie - September 27, 2004 - JoJo x Bahati
1.0, Kamoli - May 23, 2013 - Oliver x Kambera Dupe
0.1, Kamina - August 16, 2014 - Togo II "TJ" x N'Djole
1.0, Sulaiman - November 24, 2014 - Cassius x Shalia
1.0, JJ - September 28, 2016 - Macombo II "Mac" x Tabibu
0.1, Zahra - September 9, 2017 - Cassius x Naku
0.1, Jamani - April 15, 2020 - K’Tembe x Casode
Group 1: Kinyani, Mac, Tabibu, Mo’Ana, Kamoli, Kamina, Sulaiman, JJ, Zahra
Group 2: K’Tembe, Nia, Cassie, Susie, Jamani

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory - Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA - 4.4.0
1.0, Schroeder - October 30, 1985 - Winston x Dolly
0.1, Nne Kizazi - February 1, 1988 - Babec x Madge
1.0, Samson -November 25, 1998 - Zuri x Kathryn
1.0 Jabir - November 30, 1998 - Tatu x Emily
1.0, Amiri "Virgil" - March 21, 1999 | Tatu x Kokamo
0.1, Dara - July 4, 2003 - Kwisha x Johari
0.1, Arlene - February 23, 2015 - Schroeder x Dara
0.1, Nyati - October 18, 2017 - Schroeder x Alice
Group 1: Schroeder, Nne Kizazi, Dara, Arlene, Nyati
Group 2: Samson, Jabir, Amiri

Dallas Zoo - Dallas, Texas, USA - 6.4.0
1.0, Marcus - September 28, 1985 - Chris x Kay
0.1, Shanta - February 26, 1997 - Chaka x Madge
1.0, Juba - January 6, 2002 - Akbar x Kitani
1.0, B'Wenzi - June 11, 2002 - Kwisha x Shani
1.0, Shana - September 1, 2002 - Zuri x Imani
1.0, Zola - November 1, 2002 - Zuri x Tuti
0.1, Asha - December 4, 2002 - Moja x Martha
0.1, Megan - June 17, 2005 - Moja x Martha
0.1, Saambili - June 25, 2018 - Subira x Hope
1.0, Mbani - March 7, 2019 - Subira x Megan
Group 1: Shanta, Megan, Saambili, Mbani, Asha, Marcus
Group 2: Juba, B’Wenzi, Shana, Zola

Denver Zoo - Denver, Colorado, USA - 2.0.0
1.0, Kali - October 31, 2005 - Taz x Kuchi
1.0, Gunther - July 6, 2006 - Taz x Sukari

Detroit Zoo - Royal Oak, Michigan, USA - 3.0.0
1.0, Chipua - September 6, 1996 - Timmy x Triska
1.0, Pendeka - January 14, 1998 - Timmy x Paki "Bonnie"
1.0, Kongo M'Bili - December 31, 1998 - Timmy x Holli

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Bay Lake, Florida, USA - 6.5.0
1.0, Gino - December 30, 1980 - Ernst x Salome
1.0, Augustus - August 9, 1981 - Bendera x Tunuka
1.0, Kejana - May 10, 1991 - Augustus x Mandara
1.0, Zawadi - August 5, 1991 - Brooks x Jorayk
0.1, Kashata - April 10, 1993 - Ozoum x Machi
0.1, Azizi - February 5, 1997 - Memba x Alvila
0.1, Lilly - February 19, 2010 - Gino x Kashata
1.0, Flint - September 3, 2014 - Gino x Kashata
1.0, Cory - August 7, 2014 - Gino x Azizi
0.1, Grace - May 1, 2019 - Gino x Kashata
0.1, Ada - July 13, 2021 - Gino x Azizi
Group 1: Augustus, Kenjana, Zawadi
Group 2: Gino, Kashata, Azizi, Lilly, Grace, Cory, Flint, Ada

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth, Texas, USA - 5.5.0
1.0, Ramses I - April 21, 1971 - King Tut x Penelope
0.1, Amani - January 1, 1973 - Hatari x Mahari
1.0, Elmo "B.K." - March 5, 1990 - Omega x Becky
0.1, Jackie - June 3, 1990 - Babec x Samantha
0.1, Winfred - October 17, 1990 - Rames I x Amani
0.1, Sekani - November 4, 1990 - Charles x Samantha
0.1, Ayana "Gracie" - March 21, 1999 - Tatu x Kokamo
1.0, Augustus "Gus" - December 5, 2015 - Elmo "B.K." x Ayana "Gracie"
1.0, Bukavu - June 20, 2018 - Kivu x Sekani
1.0, Bruno -November 6, 2022 - Emlo x Ayana “Gracie”
Group 1: Rames, Amani, Jackie
Group 2: Elmo, Winifred, Sekani, Gracie, Gus, Bukavu, Bruno

Franklin Park Zoo - Boston, Massachusetts, USA - 3.3.0
0.1, Kiki - August 23, 1981 - Bendera x Haloko
1.0, Kitombe - September 20, 1986 - Bombom x Fanya
1.0, Little Joe - February 6, 1993 - Kongo x Triska
0.1, Kambiri - November 3, 2010 - Kitombe x Kiki
0.1, Azize - May 14, 2015 - Ktiombe x Kiki
1.0, Pablo - October 14, 2020 - Kitombe x Kiki
Group 1: Kitombe, Kiki, Kambiri, Azize, Pablo
Group 2: Little Joe

Gladys Porter Zoo - Brownsville, Texas, USA - 3.3.0
0.1, Penny - November 8, 1986 - Lamydoc x Katanga
1.0, Mbundi - January 12, 1993 - Kakinga x Tabitha
0.1, Margaret - December 18, 2007 - Moja x Martha
1.0, Burchfield - May 5, 2019 - Mbundi x Margaret
1.0, Kruger - June 9, 2019 - Mbundi x Martha
0.1, Sally - August 20, 2020 - Mbundi x Penny

Gulf Breeze Zoo - Santa Rosa County, Florida, USA - 2.1.0
0.1, Rwanda - August 16, 1986 - Rames I x Mata Hari
1.0, Babuka - February 7, 1992 - Rames I x Amani
1.0, Kilgali - January 23, 2012 - Babuka x Rwanda

Houston Zoo - Houston, Texas, USA - 6.3.0
0.1, Binti - October 2, 1974 - Trib x Dolly
1.0, Chaka - July 22, 1984 - John x Samantha
0.1, Angel - July 31, 1987 - Chris x Sandy
0.1, Holli - November 10, 1989 - Kongo x Huerfanita
1.0, Mike - December 24, 1991 - Memba x Jessica
1.0, Ajari - October 30, 2000 - Paul Donn x Ione
1.0, Henry - May 23, 2010 - Taz x Kuchi
1.0, Tracy James - January 15, 2012 - Moja x Martha
1.0, Leom - February 14, 2013 - BomBom x Kelele
Group 1: Binti, Angel, Holli, Mike
Group 2: Chaka, Ajari, Henry, Tracy James, and Leom

Jacksonville Zoo - Jacksonville, Florida, USA - 5.7.0
1.0, Rumplestiltskin - August 19, 1984 - Rames I x Mata Hari
1.0, Jim - August 1, 1987 - Tzambo x Evelyn
0.1, Bulera - January 22, 1989 - Otto x Benga
0.1, Madini Thamani - June 20, 1996 - Frank x Bulera
0.1, Kumbuka - August 3, 1996 - Mimbo x Zakula
0.1, Glenda "Tinga" - May 24, 2005 - Kelly x Rapunzel
1.0, Densi "George" - February 6, 2015 - Rumpelstiltskin x Bulera
0.1, Merah “Patty” - May 9, 2015 - Lash x Madini Thamani
1.0, Ubuntu - June 2, 2015 - Bantu x Machi
0.1,Whimsie Adepa - February 25, 2016 - Jim x Glenda "Tinga"
0.1, Ikemba “Gandai” - September 28, 2018 - Lash x Kumbuku
1.0, Kevin - April 9, 2021 - Lash x Madini Thamani
Group 1:Rumpelestiltskin, Bulera, Madani Thamani, Kumbuka, Densi, Merah, Ubuntu, Ikemba, Kevin
Group 2: Jim, Glenda, Whimsie Adepa

Kansas City Zoo - Kansas City, Missouri, USA - 1.4.0
0.1, Makari - July 12, 1987 - Frank x Kisuma
0.1, Tufani - October 13, 1991 - Babec x Samantha
1.0, Charlie - March 20, 1996 - Omega x Becky
0.1, Makena - January 24, 1999 - Gino x Benga
0.1, Masika - May 25, 2015 - Radi x Makari
Group 1: Makari, Tufani, Makena, Masika
Group 2: Charlie

Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, Illinois, USA - 7.6.0
1.0, Kwan "Kwanza" - March 2, 1989 - Carlos x Hope
0.1, Bahati - September 20, 1990 - Gino x Benga
0.1, Bana - March 6, 1995 - Chicory x Babs
0.1, Rollie - October 03, 1996 - Gino x Kowali
1.0, Azizi - December 4, 2003 - JoJo x Makari
1.0, Amare - July 26, 2005 - Kwan "Kwanza" x Kowali
1.0, Umande - February 18, 2006 - Rafiki x Kwisha
1.0, Mosi - October 10, 2006 - Fossey x Sekani
0.1, Patty - October 11, 2012 - Kwan "Kwanza" x Bana
0.1, Nayembi - November 16, 2012 - Kwan "Kwanza" x Rollie
0.1, Bella - February 24, 2015 - Kwan "Kwanza" x Bahati
1.0, Mondika - May 12, 2019 - Kwan “Kwanza” x Rollie
1.0, Djeke - June 12, 2019 - Kwan “Kwanza” x Bana
Group 1: Kwan, Bahati, Bana, Rollie, Patty, Nayembi, Bella, Mondika, Djeke
Group 2: Azizi, Amare, Umande, Mosi

Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Arkansas, USA - 1.3.0
0.1, Catherine - May 18, 1983 - Barney x Caroline
1.0, Kivu "Otis" - August 18, 1991 - Omega x Zira
0.1, Alice - June 22, 2002 - JJ "Jim Jr." x Fredrika
0.1, Adelina - August 19, 2012 - Fossey x Sekani
Group 1: Kivu, Adelina
Group 2: Catherine, Alice

Los Angeles Zoo - Los Angeles, California, USA - 4.3.0
0.1 Rapunzel - February 20, 1984 - Rames I x Amani
1.0, Kelly - April 11, 1987 - Chris x Cleopatra
1.0, Hasani - October 12, 1994 - Gino x Benga
0.1, N'Dija - December 31, 1994 - Winston x Kamilah
1.0, Jabari - November 4, 1997 - Gino x Hope
1.0, Hasani Jr. - December 8, 2008 - O.J. "Rich" x Monifa
0.1, Angela - January 19, 2020 - Kelly x N’Dija
Group 1: Rapenuzel, Kelly, N’Dija, Angela
Group 2: Hasani, Jabari, Hasani Jr.

Louisville Zoo - Louisville, Kentucky, USA - 5.3.0
1.0, Casey II "Casey" - June 28, 1982 - Lamydoc x Tamoo
0.1, Kweli - November 1, 1983 - Hatari x Samantha
0.1, Paki "Bonnie" - May 26, 1989 - Barney x Pattycake
1.0, Jelani - January 6, 1997 - Gino x Makari
1.0, Kicho - March 25, 1997 - Chaka x Kweli
1.0, Bengati - June 1, 1998 - Frank x Bahati
1.0, Cecil - November 3, 1998 - Chaka x Muke
0.1, Kindi - March 14, 2016 - Mshindi x Mia Moja
Group 1: Casey II, Kweli, Paki, Kindi
Group 2: Jelani, Kincho, Bengati, Cecil

Memphis Zoo - Memphis, Tennessee, USA - 1.3.0
1.0, Mwelu - July 16, 1986 - Oscar x Pongi
0.1, Kwizera - March 11, 1988 - Samson II x Babs
0.1, Penelope II "Penny" - May 3, 1989 - Rames I x Mata Hari
0.1, Kebara - May 3, 1989 - Winston x Penelope II "Penny"

Milwaukee County Zoo - Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA - 3.2.0
1.0, Oliver - October 7, 1988 - Barney x Tunuka
1.0, Maji Maji - August 6, 1991 - Babec x Madge
1.0, Hodari - March 21, 1995 - Chaka x Madge
0.1, Dotty Mashavu "Dotty" - April 17, 2004 - N'Kosi "Kambiri” x Nia
0.1, Nadami - September 29, 2010 - Anakka x Casode
Group 1: Oliver, Dotty Mashavu, Nadami
Group 2: Maji Maji
Group 3: Hodari

North Carolina Zoo - Randolph County, North Carolina, USA - 5.0.0
1.0, Mosuba - October 26, 1983 - Oscar x Bridgette
1.0, Hadari - July 27, 2009 - Samson x Timu
1.0, Bomassa - August 4, 2012 - N'Kosi "Kambiri" x Jamani
1.0, Dembe - August 14, 2012 - Rafiki x Asha
1.0, Apollo - August 31, 2012 - N'Kosi "Kambiri" x Olympia

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA - 5.5.0
0.1, Emily - March 30, 1985 - Moemba x Kathryn
1.0, Togo II - September 23, 1988 - Akbar x Happy
0.1, N'Djole- March 1, 1996 - Winston x Alberta
0.1, Mikella - December 13, 2003 - Tatu x Emily
1.0, George - January 25, 2004 - Bombom x Kathryn
1.0, Bouendje - March 14, 2006 - Memba x N'Djole
1.0, Bakari - October 13, 2006 - Jomo x Muke
0.1, Rubi - March 24, 2015 - Togo II x Emily
0.1, Azinza - December 13, 2017 - Togo II x Mikella
1.0, Finyezi - June 19, 2018 - Togo II x N’Djole
Group 1: George, Bouendje, Bakari
Group 2: Emily, Togo II, N’Djole, Mikella, Rubi, Azina, Finyezi

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha, Nebraska, USA - 7.4.0
0.1, Muke - September 5, 1981 - Rames I x Amani
1.0, N'Goma - August 8, 1994 - Timmy x Pattycake
1.0, Tambo - August 8, 1994 - Timmy x Pattycake
1.0, Samson - May 1, 1995 - Chaka x Samantha
1.0, Kijito - June 10, 1995 - Chaka x Kweli
0.1, Timu - October 9, 1995 - Mosuba x Mata Hari
1.0, Clifford "Timmy" - May 2, 1997 - Omega x Becky
1.0, Tatu - November 3, 1998 - Memba x Jessica
0.1, Bambio - August 16, 2003 - Motuba x Timu
1.0, Kgosi - January 18, 2017 - Tambo x Timu
0.1, Zuri - May 5, 2019 - Tambo x Bambio
Group 1: Muke, Tambo, Timu, Bambio, Kgosi, Zuri
Group 2: Samson, Clifford
Group 3: Ngoma, Kijito, Tatu

Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - 2.3.0
1.0, Motuba - January 23, 1985 - Oscar x Bridgette
0.1, Honi - September 7, 1994 - Kongo x Huerfanita
0.1, Kira - August 8, 1999 - Kitombe x Kiki
0.1, Amani - October 26, 2016 - Motuba x Honi
1.0, Ajabu - June 2, 2017 - Motuba x Kira

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA - 4.2.0
0.1, Ibo "Priscilla" - January 27, 1991 - Rames I x Mata Hari
1.0, Harry - June 14, 1991 - Babec x Kweli
1.0, Mrithi - June 1, 1992 - Mimbo x Zakula
0.1, Moka - October 16, 1996 - Jim Jr. "JJ" x Fredrika
1.0, D’Jembe “Ivan” - April 12, 2013 - Mrithi x Moka
1.0, Frankie - May 25, 2018 - Mrithi x Moka
Group 1: Ibo, Mrithi, Moka, Frankie
Group 2: Harry, D’Jembe

Riverbanks Zoo - Columbia, South Carolina, USA - 4.3.0
1.0, Patrick - April 13, 1990 - Barney x Pattycake
0.1, Acacia - January 14, 1995 - Tatu x Fredrika
1.0, Cenzoo - February 2, 1996 - Koundu x Jorayk
0.1, Kazi - October 31, 2005 - Taz x Kuchi
0.1, Macy B - December 12, 2005 - Taz x Kudzoo
1.0, Zakota - June 4, 2018 - Cenzoo x Kazi
1.0, Moyo - October 17, 2018 - Cenzoo x Macy
Group 1: Acacia, Cenzoo, Kazi, Macy B, Zakota, Moyo
Group 2: Patrick

Saint Louis Zoo - Saint Louis, Missouri, USA - 3.0.0
1.0, Jontu - January 27, 1997 - Anakka x Jumoke
1.0, Jumoke "Little Joe" - January 9, 1998 - Tatu x Kokamo
1.0, Bakari - May 2, 2005 - Ramar x Binti Jua

San Diego Safari Park - San Diego, California, USA - 3.5.0
1.0, Winston - During 1972 - Wild-Caught
0.1, Kamilah - December 5, 1977 - Pete x Nina
0.1, Kokamo - December 20, 1988 - Moemba x Katherine
0.1, Imani - October 16, 1995 - Memba x Kumba
1.0, Frank - September 4, 2008 - Paul Donn x Azizi
1.0, Monroe - June 17, 2011 - Winston x Kokamo
0.1, Joanne - March 12, 2014 - Winston x Imani
0.1, Leslie - October 19, 2016 - Winston x Kokamo
Group 1: Winston, Kamilah, Kokomo, Imani, Joanne, Leslie
Group 2: Frank, Monroe

San Diego Zoo - San Diego, California, USA - 5.1.0
0.1, Jessica - October 1, 1980 - John x Samantha
1.0, Paul Donn - January 3, 1989 - Trib x Kamilah
1.0, Maka - June 20, 1995 - Memba x Jessica
1.0, Mandaazi - July 27, 2002 - Memba x Jessica
1.0, Ekuba - March 5, 2006 - Memba x Jessica
1.0, Denny - December 26, 2014 - Paul Donn x Jessica
Group 1: Jessica, Paul Donn, and Denny
Group 2: Maka, Mandaazi, and Kuba

San Francisco Zoo - San Francisco, California, USA - 1.3.0
0.1, Bawang "Bahati" - July 13, 1980 - Ramses I x Amani
1.0, Oscar Jonesy (O.J.) "Rich" - July 31, 1981 - Oscar x Jonesie
0.1, Monifa - January 3, 1998 - VIP x Jumoke
0.1, Kimani - November 24, 2004 - Kitombe x Kiki

Santa Barbara Zoo - Santa Barbara, California, USA - 2.0.0
1.0, N'Zinga - May 22, 1998 - Moja x Mary
1.0, Bangori - February 18, 2004 - Moja x Mary

Sedgwick County Zoo - Sedgwick County, Kansas, USA - 3.5.0
0.1, Kivu - October 29, 1978 - Otto x Benga
1.0, Tommy - September 2, 1988 - Kongo x Huerfanita
1.0, Billy - October 17, 1990 - Kongo x Huerfanita
1.0, Matumaini "Matt" - June 11, 1993 - Gino x Hope
0.1, Kigali - May 30, 1994 - Augustus x Mandara
0.1, Barika - October 18, 2000 - Kakinga x Juliette
0.1, Alika - August 3, 2016 - Matumaini "Matt" x Barika
0.1, CC - February 22, 2017 - Matumaini "Matt" x Kigali
Group 1: Tommy, Billy
Group 2: Kivu, Matumaini, Kigali, Barika, Alika, CC

Smithsonian's National Zoo - Washington D.C., USA - 2.3.0
0.1, Mandara - April 5, 1982 - Frank x Terra - Samson x Alpha
1.0, Baraka ya Mwelu - April 11, 1992 - Augustus x Haloko
0.1, Calaya - July 30, 2002 - Vip x Amanda
0.1, Kibibi - January 10, 2009 - Kwame x Mandara
1.0, Moke - April 15, 2018 - Baraka ya Mwelu x Calaya

Toledo Zoo - Toledo, Ohio, USA - 3.3.0
0.1, Johari - February 19, 1988 - Akbar x Malaika
1.0, Kwisha - April 28, 1988 - Samson x Alpha
0.1, Kitani - March 3, 1994 - Tatu x Emily
0.1, Sufi Bettine - December 27, 2001 - Zuri x Holli
1.0, Mokonzi - November 23, 2017 - Kwisha x Kitani
1.0, Michael - August 12, 2020 - Kwisha x Sufi Bettine

Utah’s Hogle Zoo - Salt Lake City, Utah, USA - 1.4.0
0.1, Mary - November 4, 1987 - Lamydoc x Katanga
1.0, Husani - December 14, 1991 - Barney x Pattycake
0.1, Iwa "Pele" Rafiki - February 12, 2002 - Moja x Mary
0.1, Jabali - May 29, 2004 - Jim x Jorayk
0.1, Georgia - July 6, 2020 - Husani x Jabali

Woodland Park Zoo - Seattle, Washington, USA - 3.8.0
0.1, Jumoke - May 9, 1985 - Pete x Binti
0.1, Nadiri - February 12, 1996 - Congo x Jumoke -
0.1, Olympia - May 22, 1996 - Willie B x Mia Moja
0.1, Jamani - November 12, 1999 - Paul Donn x Ione
1.0, K'Wame - November 20, 1999 - Kuja x Mandara
1.0, Na-Daya - April 4, 2001 - Ramar x Baraka
0.1, Akenji - July 24, 2001 - Vip x Jumoke
0.1, Uzumma - October 20, 2007 - Vip x Amanda
0.1, Yola - November 20, 2015 - Vip x Nadiri
1.0, Kitoko - March 4, 2020 - K’Wame x Uzumma
0.1, Zuna - January 29, 2021 - K’Wame x Nadiri
Group 1: Jumoke, Olympia, Jamani, Na-Daya
Group 2: Nadiri, K’Wame, Akenji, Uzumma, Yola, Kitoko, Zuna

Zoo Atlanta - Atlanta, Georgia, USA - 6.12.0
0.1, Machi - March 1, 1976 - Rann x Choomba
0.1, Kuchi - October 10, 1984 - Ozoum x Paki
1.0, Kekla - March 15, 1989 - Ozoum x Paki
1.0, Taz - May 20, 1989 - Rann x Shamba
1.0, Stadi - May 14, 1991 - Ozoum x Kuchi
0.1, Kudzoo - February 8, 1994 - Willie B x Choomba
1.0, Charlie - June 7, 1996 - Ozoum x Banga
1.0, Kidogo - April 8, 1998 - Willie B x Machi
0.1, Sukari - May 12, 1998 - Willie B x Choomba
0.1, Kambera Dupe - February 19, 1999 - Anakka x Kebi Moyo
0.1, Lulu - August 22, 1999 - Willie B x Kuchi
0.1, Shalia - February 9, 2002 - Charles x Samantha
0.1, Amari - October 8, 2010 - Koga x Sidney
0.1, Merry Leigh - May 9, 2011 - Taz x Kudzoo
0.1, Anaka - August 30, 2013 - Taz x Sukari
0.1, Andi - March 15, 2013 - Taz x Lulu
0.1, Mijadala - September 18, 2016 - Taz x Kudzoo
1.0, Floyd - July 24, 2019 - Taz x Lulu
Group 1: Taz, Kudzoo, Sukari, Lulu, Merry Leigh, Andi, Anaka, Mijadala, Floyd
Group 2: Kidogo, Kambera Dupe, Shalia, Amari
Group 3: Manchi, Kuchi
Group 4: Kekla, Stadi, Charlie

Zoo Knoxville - Knoxville, Tennessee, USA - 1.4.0
0.1, Kowali - January 9, 1978 - Frank x Kumba
0.1, Hope - September 7, 1983 - Koundu x Kisuma
1.0, Bantu - November 2, 1997 - Kwisha x Shani
0.1, Obi - May 28, 2015 - Bantu x Hope
0.1, Andi - September 10, 2016 - Bantu x Kowali

Zoo Miami - Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA - 2.0.0
1.0, Shango - March 11, 1989 - Mkubwa x Bawang
1.0, Ike-Ozo "Barney" - October 12, 1993 - Mkubwa x Bawang

Clearly, looking at this, you can see that there are gorillas born in zoos every month of the year, and no spike in spring due to a "baby season" like you so claim. There are certain species where you may see a bump at a certain season, but that is because the wild biology of those species relies on a breeding season. For example, every polar bear is born around December, both in zoos and in the wild, simply because that is the denning season for polar bears. Gorillas display no such birthing season, and as such there is no trend in when gorillas are born in zoos.

If you want to be critical of zoos, by all means I'd be happy to hear your arguments, but base your arguments off of facts and not things that are completely made up.

Sadly, their gorilla program offers nothing to gorillas in the wild, except for under 1% of the gross revenue that they contribute. But breeding sentient beings for ticket sales of zoo babies is a cruel practice that should be stopped. As we evolve so should our relationship to animals.

The gorilla program offers a lot more than just 1% of revenue to wild gorillas! The educational and conservation goals, such as recycling of cell phones (I notice you ignored my post that discussed this), also indirectly benefit the lives of wild gorillas.

Another benefit is that some of the research done on zoo-housed gorillas has applications to wild gorillas too. As a result of having gorillas in zoos, we know more about diseases impacting gorillas (Cardiac disease is linked to adiposity in male gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), Echocardiographic Parameters of Captive Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)). It's a whole lot easier to give an echocardiogram to a zoo-housed gorilla than a wild gorilla, but what we learn as a result has applications to both! We've also learned more about gorilla hormones, reproduction, nutrition, and metabolism as a result of research on captive gorillas too, such as in these papers:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajp.20010
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajp.20692
https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-1090.2005.tb00018.x
Gut microbiome composition is associated with cardiac disease in zoo-housed western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...gagKbwFwcStnWMSm267P0ognRAgB2lyZYf3Tt2n5Ny97X

And as for your point about "breeding sentient beings for ticket sales", that isn't what good zoos are doing. Good zoos only breed demographically healthy pairings that are genetically beneficial for the zoo population, and comparatively few pairings are given each year. In gorillas for instance, out of 49 zoos keeping the species, the past few years saw the following number of births annually:
2022- 3 births
2021- 4 births
2020- 6 births
2019- 8 births
2018- 9 births

That's the most recent five years I have data for, and each year there was between three and nine births, with an average of six births a year. These births are what is genetically and demographically necessary to maintain a healthy gorilla population in zoos, which is important for the reasons myself and others have already stated. This is not zoos choosing to breed because it helps with their ticket sales.

Another point you brought up is that "as we evolve so should our relationship with animals," and while I don't like using the word "evolve" in this context (since it isn't scientific evolution we are talking about), you would be pleased to know that the practices of zoos over time have changed greatly! As we've learned more, animals are receiving better medical care, healthier diets, and enclosures are being designed in ways that allow the animals to display more naturalistic behavior. Each of the following photos is of a zoo exhibit which existed within the past twenty years, but no longer is used, as zoos have moved towards naturalistic exhibits that work better for the animals in their collections:

Photo By: @snowleopard (Buffalo Zoo- replaced with the much larger polar bear exhibit, Arctic's Edge)

Photo By: @geomorph (San Diego Zoo- demolished to make way for Africa Rocks)

Photo By: @geomorph (Cincinnati Zoo- now exhibits a much smaller cat species in Night Hunters)

Photo By: @snowleopard (Brookfield Zoo- exhibit remains empty to this day, polar bears moved to a newer exhibit across the zoo)

Photo By: @Zebraduiker (Dallas Zoo- replaced with Giants of the Savanna, considered by many to be amongst the top five elephant complexes in the country)

Photo By: @snowleopard (Memphis Zoo- hippos received a brand new exhibit, Zambezi River Hippo Camp)

Photo By: @geomorph (Lincoln Park Zoo- Kovler Lion House was renovated, and now holds significantly fewer species)

Photo By: @snowleopard (Cleveland Metroparks Zoo- snow leopards moved to a new outdoor exhibit in Asian Highlands)

Photo By: @snowleopard (Erie Zoo gorilla exhibit- gorillas are no longer kept at the Erie Zoo)

Photo By: @mweb08 (Kansas City Zoo- replaced with a new orangutan exhibit)

While these are just a few egregious examples of exhibits that no longer exist, I could go on. Luckily, this trend of improving the lives of zoo animals isn't over either. Currently, both Brookfield Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are working on building new, improved exhibits for their great apes. Cincinnati Zoo and Tulsa Zoo are both building expansive new elephant exhibits to give more space to their largest relatives. Other zoos have similarly announced master plans for further improvements, and even at times phasing out species they can't provide the best care to.

 

[tigris115]

Tbf to Cincinatti, wasn't the zoo getting death threats out the wazoo?

 

[FBBird]

Agreed! I too feel terrible for them that this is their reality. Loud noises all day, bad diets, not enough space to roam, hot wires on tress they would naturally climb, and life in small cage nighthouses. They must be so baffled all of the time, one thing we know is that they suffer from "zoochosis", permanent damage manifested in pacing, and other stress habits.

There must be a better way to treat our relatives we share 98% DNA with

Well no, I actually meant your perspective. I disagree with you completely. Have you worked with gorillas in a zoo setting?

 

[Chlidonias]

Look, you are just making things up here that are completely untrue.

It's a classic diversion argument. It's used by Creationists and other suchlike. In this case the quoted "Most Zoos tout their Zoo baby season like Cincinnati where Harambe was killed. Since most are bred using birth control, the Spring is usually good for Zoo babies!" isn't actually saying anything about baby gorillas - it is a general Cincinnati Zoo "all babies" statement but making sure to include the line "where Harambe was killed" so that the people on the anti- side will connect it to gorillas and agree "that's right!" because they don't know what they are talking about. But when the people who do know what they are talking about point out that what is being implied is not true (in this case, baby gorillas being bred for "baby season") the response can be that they never said that, they were talking in general statements.

 

[Zoofan15]

What’s your source for this out of interest?

A quick glance at the North American, European and Australasian gorilla populations show births all year round (with no observable trend). Once a female is put into a breeding situation/taken off contraception, there’s no guarantees of an infant being born 8.5 months later.

Most Zoos tout their Zoo baby season like Cincinnati where Harambe was killed.

Since most are bred using birth control, the Spring is usually good for Zoo babies! Zoo Babies - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

plus zoos see tickets rise up to 30% if they have a baby gorilla on display

Further to the points raised by myself and @Neil chace above, I will add that your argument makes even less sense when you consider the long childhood of a gorilla. If a zoo has a newborn gorilla, you’re not gonna see a lot besides an infant clinging tightly to its mother.

By three months, the infant will be starting to crawl and certainly by six months, beginning to wander off and explore. I’d argue this stage is the height of visitor attraction and they remain playful throughout their juvenile years into adolescence.