North America Western Lowland Gorilla Population

[b_g_19]

I agree with @joshgrossglaza this may in fact be a non breeding transfer - Binti Jua's line is quite well represented so they may be choosing to hold off breeding for a while. A silverback is still essential to a dynamic group though, so they were always going to swap in a silverback once Zachary was old enough for transfer.

According to St Louis Zoo, it is a breeding move:

"Jontu (seen in the first picture) is well known at the Zoo for his regal appearance and confidence as a leader in the bachelor group — with a playful and gentle side. His move from St. Louis to Chicago was based on a future breeding recommendation by the The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas, a conservation breeding program that manages a genetically healthy population of this species in North American zoos. This move was made with plans of growing and strengthening the western lowland gorilla population by providing Jontu the opportunity of creating a family. He will be joining a group with adult females in the hopes of future breeding to create a family group at the Brookfield Zoo."
Source: 登录 Facebook

Jontu is pretty valuable, Koola and Kamba are even more valuable. Considering just genetics, how close they are isn't a big issue, however, there are other males completely unrelated to them.

 

[18943]

Does anyone know if Bronx plans on recieving a new silverback anytime soon, as their main family troop has lacked one for almost 4 years now.

I'd assume that they'd probably put Lincoln, Chase, and Kidogo in a bachelor troop before they try and bring in a new silverback though.

 

[Jambo]

Does anyone know if Bronx plans on recieving a new silverback anytime soon, as their main family troop has lacked one for almost 4 years now.

I'd assume that they'd probably put Lincoln, Chase, and Kidogo in a bachelor troop before they try and bring in a new silverback though.

They'd have to transfer the young males out before any transfer. Looking at their current ages, this could be soon but a suitable destination for them will have to be sorted out too.

 

[joshgrossglaza]

Does anyone know if Bronx plans on recieving a new silverback anytime soon, as their main family troop has lacked one for almost 4 years now.

I'd assume that they'd probably put Lincoln, Chase, and Kidogo in a bachelor troop before they try and bring in a new silverback though.

I’m actually almost expecting a trade between the boys and Azizi from Lincoln Park Zoo

 

[IndianRhino]

We’ve got another pregnancy for this spring!

As reported on Calgary’s social media pages - 14 year old “Yewande” is pregnant and due around May! Sire is of course silverback, “Jasiri”.

 

[18943]

We’ve got another pregnancy for this spring!

As reported on Calgary’s social media pages - 14 year old “Yewande” is pregnant and due around May! Sire is of course silverback, “Jasiri”.

Great to hear! Jasiri is a very genetically valuable male (being the only surviving offspring of his wild-born mother Katoomba), so it's great hearing that he's gonna be having another baby!

 

[Jambo]

Great to hear! Jasiri is a very genetically valuable male (being the only surviving offspring of his wild-born mother Katoomba), so it's great hearing that he's gonna be having another baby!

We’ve got another pregnancy for this spring!

As reported on Calgary’s social media pages - 14 year old “Yewande” is pregnant and due around May! Sire is of course silverback, “Jasiri”.

Fingers crossed Yewande will be able to successfully give birth to the offspring this time around. It's interesting to see she's pregnant for May again (the same was for her last offspring).

I don't expect any issue due to Yewande being hand raised, but hopefully everything goes well.

 

[Zoofan15]

Birth: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

https://www.wtaj.com/news/regional-...-zoo-welcomes-baby-gorilla-on-valentines-day/

0.1 was born February 14, 2023. The mother is Ibo (1991).

 

[b_g_19]

I love Ibo and I'm happy with this birth, but I'm sure that SSP aren't happy with this non recommended birth

 

[15399]

I love Ibo and I'm happy with this birth, but I'm sure that SSP aren't happy with this non recommended birth

Pittsburgh is a non-AZA institution that does not participate in the Gorilla SSP. The SSP has no reason to care what Pittsburgh does with its gorillas.

 

[joshgrossglaza]

I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie hasn't been introduced to the main troop yet. Curtis only died a couple of months ago, so I'd imagine they'd allow the troop at least some time before beginning introductions to a new silverback (which can be quite lengthy).

I can confirm that Charlie is now part of the main troop.

 

[IndianRhino]

“Calaya” at Smithsonian is pregnant and due with her second infant with silverback “Baraka” sometime between late May to early July.

Western Lowland Gorilla Is Pregnant at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

 

[b_g_19]

Pittsburgh is a non-AZA institution that does not participate in the Gorilla SSP. The SSP has no reason to care what Pittsburgh does with its gorillas.

True, Pittsburgh is a non-AZA institution, however even a non-AZA institution can get recommendations from SSP and according to Pittsburgh thread, they're trying to get the accreditation again.

 

[b_g_19]

San Diego Zoo has been introducing Denny to his big brother Maka.

Gorilla Haven Gorilla Photos | Facebook

Focusing on the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park | Some big changes are happening with the Gorilla Troops

 

[15399]

True, Pittsburgh is a non-AZA institution, however even a non-AZA institution can get recommendations from SSP and according to Pittsburgh thread, they're trying to get the accreditation again.

You're correct that some non-AZA zoos do get recommendations, however that is only if they have applied for sustainability partner status. Pittsburgh is not a sustainability partner, hence me specifying "does not participate in the Gorilla SSP".

 

[IndianRhino]

Shalia at Atlanta is pregnant! Sire is Willie B. Jr., and the infant is due in May/June 2023.

She gave birth to a healthy infant yesterday, April 24th! The sex of the infant is unknown as of now and the sire is first-time dad, Willie B. Jr. as noted earlier.

WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA BORN AT ZOO ATLANTA - Zoo Atlanta

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

She gave birth to a healthy infant yesterday, April 24th! The sex of the infant is unknown as of now and the sire is first-time dad, Willie B. Jr. as noted earlier.

WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA BORN AT ZOO ATLANTA - Zoo Atlanta

Yes that's amazing to hear! This might just be the start of a new Willie B. legacy!

 

[tigris115]

Question

What's the most recent gorilla to have actually come from Africa?

I know, in the past, catching gorillas used to be the norm. Thus, I'm curious to when this really ended.

 

[Akula]

Yes that's amazing to hear! This might just be the start of a new Willie B. legacy!

Can't for get Shalia who descends from wild born parents.

 

[Zoofan15]

Question

What's the most recent gorilla to have actually come from Africa?

I know, in the past, catching gorillas used to be the norm. Thus, I'm curious to when this really ended.

The 1975 Endangered Species Act curtailed the capture of wild caught gorillas. The founders of Apenheul‘s troop (2.6 gorillas) were imported in February 1975 and would have been one of the last mass imports from Africa.

Following that, I’m aware of Julia (wild born 1982), who was illegally caught as an infant and subsequently seized. She lived at Jersey Zoo and later Melbourne Zoo, where she died in 2015. There was also Djala (Howletts), who was born 1982 in the wild.