The fact that play invitations were always performed by the female might support this hypothesis. Moreover, the motivation of the lactating female to play might be an effect of oxytocin, a hormone that reaches high concentration levels during lactation and that promotes social affiliation. Hence, the probability of social interaction (including play) between silverback and adult females was enhanced. In our group, contrary to what has been shown by previous studies in wild and captive gorillas, adult females spent more time in spatial proximity with the silverback than with other females. Given the diverse causal and functional nature of play, different factors may join in promoting this behaviour. We recorded three playful interactions between the silverback and an adult lactating female. Here, we report an extremely rare case of adult–adult play observed in the lowland gorilla group housed at La Vallée de Singes (France). For more information, visit African great apes, play is virtually absent between adult lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla). The Saint Louis Zoo and the other AZA-accredited institutions collectively dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation and education programs. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most-visited attraction in the region. Home to over 16,000 animals, representing nearly 500 species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. The Saint Louis Zoo supports western lowland gorillas through the AZA SSP for the western lowland gorilla and through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for the Conservation of Congo Apes. Credit Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo Gorillas and ConservationĪlthough western lowland gorillas are the most common of four subspecies of gorilla, they are critically endangered and are facing the threat of complete extinction in the wild. The Jungle of the Apes team pioneered forming the first bachelor group of western lowland gorillas, along with the first successful integration of two bachelor groups. The Saint Louis Zoo has a long history with the AZA SSP for western lowland gorillas. Gorilla bachelor groups are a type of social group commonly found in the wild. Gorilla bachelor groups are groups of adult males, also known as silverbacks, and young adult males that live and travel together until they can become part of a breeding group. This move also was a recommendation by the western lowland gorilla SSP. He will join the Saint Louis Zoo’s bachelor group of gorillas, Joe, 25, and Bakari, 18, at Jungle of the Apes. Zachary was born at Brookfield Zoo in 2015 where he has been living with his family at Tropic World. Credit JoEllen Toler/Saint Louis Zoo Zachary and the Gorilla Bachelor Group The primate care team is going to miss him greatly, but is very excited for this new chapter in his life.” Jontu. “Despite his stature and serious demeanor, he has a very playful and gentle side. “Jontu is well known at the Saint Louis Zoo for his regal appearance and confidence as a leader in the bachelor group,” said Helen Boostrom, Zoological Manager of Primates, Saint Louis Zoo. In June 2022, Saint Louis Zoo male gorilla, Nadaya (Nah-DIE-ya), moved to Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, to start his own family. Jontu came to the Saint Louis Zoo in 2005 from Columbus Zoo where he was born in 1997 and has been a part of a bachelor gorilla group at the Zoo’s Jungle of the Apes since his arrival. He will be joining a group with females to provide stability for the family at Brookfield Zoo. This move was made with plans of strengthening the western lowland gorilla population by providing Jontu the opportunity to lead a family group. The recommendation took into consideration Jontu’s personality and genetics. Louis to Chicago was based on a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for western lowland gorillas, a conservation breeding program that manages a genetically healthy population of this species in North American zoos. The gorillas are currently staying in private areas of their new homes at each zoo and not yet in view of guests. Two male western lowland gorillas - 26-year-old Jontu of Saint Louis Zoo and 7-year-old Zachary of Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois - recently swapped hometowns in the name of conservation and survival of this critically endangered species.Įarlier this week, Jontu (JOHN-too) arrived at Brookfield Zoo and Zachary arrived at Saint Louis Zoo.
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