As you can read in the blog of 24th November, five gorillas have moved to a new enclosure. It is interesting to observe the behaviour of this new group.
The first to go out in the morning is Arno. He is a nine-year-old male, who is very happy to have his own family now. To say he is a playful animal would be an understatement. It seems like he always has too much energy and needs to jump around and play wrestle with someone. The new enclosure is next to the chimpanzees and as can be expected the chimpanzees were very excited and noisy when they first met through the fences, while the gorillas were curious but relatively calm. But Arno behaved like a proper silverback: pacing along the fence, making himself as big as possible, as if he was trying to make up for his lack of capacity to make noise.
Tinu often follows Arno into the outside enclosure. After a quick walk around she finds some browse and starts chewing on it. She tears the Afromomum apart, so she can eat the inside of the stem. Tinu is the one who plays most with Arno, but she is also very interested in baby Adjibolo. She would be a great mom for Adjibolo if Abby would let her. But Abby is dominant over her, so she doesn’t get much chance.
When Abby comes out, she takes Adjibolo with her on her back. Abby is a very confident gorilla, so it was no surprise that she took upon her the care for the baby gorilla. Adjibolo is now one and a half year old, so she starts to be more and more independent, eating her browse too, but she likes to ride on other gorilla’s backs.
The last to come outside is Izan, the second male in the group, who came from South Africa last year together with Abby and Tinu. Izan is a completely different character then Arno, a bit nervous and very modest. He has been sick several times in the last months but now he is okay and eating everything he can. We hope that Izan will settle in soon and that his confidence will grow a little.
We wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a great 2009!
Simone de Vries
Assistant Project Manager
Donations made here are
Feb 8th Matthew T USD 32.00
5 Comments
Simone — a million thanks for this update…the picture of Arne floating on his back made me laugh out loud! And a wonderful early Christmas gift getting to see baby Bolo again…she is so tiny…and to think, after being orphaned she now has so many other gorillas that want to take care of her! All of the gorillas look terrific and healthy, you all are doing such a wonderful job. Happy Holidays to you and everyone at Limbe!
Great post! Thanks for the uplifting news. I LOVE that picture of Arno enjoying a soak. Of course, any news of little Bolo is always welcome and I’m glad she has a mom and that the others are protective of her. Y’all are doing a hell of a great job, thank you so much.
s.
Felix and Simone –
I just heard the sad news about Izan. I am truly sorry for the loss of this amazing animal. I cannot imagine how you all must be feeling, but I hope you can take heart in the fact that Izan spent his last months in a caring and loving environment…a miracle in itself given what the Taiping Fours’ future held before you intervened. Thank you for all you do every day and my thoughts are with you.
Felix and Simone,
I just want to express my sadness about your recent loss. I had an excellent volunteer experience in September 2008 and I remember Izan and his strength in grabbing the cleaning hose! Bravo for the new gorilla enclosure. What an ingenious idea to get our friends over the wall. Adjibolo looks healthy and happy. All the best to the keepers and the whole LWC staff. I hope to come back again in 2009.
charles
I am also very sorry about Izan. What an ingenious transfer for the other gorillas into their new enclosure! Hello to all the keepers for me.