Calgary’s gorilla troop continues to adjust month after silverback’s passing
Posted Jun 14, 2016 5:19 pm.
Last Updated Jun 14, 2016 5:26 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s a difficult thing for both keeper and primate: adjusting to life after the passing of a larger than life leader.
Tuesday marks one month since the passing of the silverback at the Calgary Zoo and his absence for many is still noticeable.
There’s almost a sadness in some of their eyes and Dr. Malu Celli says it’s hard to say if they’re still mourning.
“They had some time with him after he passed and hopefully that time with him was enough for them to understand that something is very wrong and he’s not waking up,” she said. “But, it’s difficult for us to know how much they understand death.”
One of their more cheeky residents, a young female gorilla named Dossi, has stepped up to the plate and asserted her dominance.
“A silverback is normally the backbone of the troop,” she explained. “He sets the pace; he’s the one that will keep the family safe. If there are squabbles, the females normally aren’t related and don’t have a strong bond so he’ll keep them in check. Without that position the females will realize, ‘okay maybe I can have a go here’.”
She says they’ve seen some tempers flare and females clash in Kakinga’s absence and they’re trying to manage it as best they can.
“What we’ve seen is not normally a surprise,” said Celli. “Dossi is showing some of that leadership; the other ones are following pace and leaving things be.”
Given one of their gorillas is sick and new born Kimani, it’s made them more nervous about changes in the group.
As a result, it’ll take some time before Calgary accepts a new male to the troop — at the earliest it won’t be until 2017.
“Things are so up in the air, realistically not even thinking about permits, this group is not ready for a silverback. It’ll be many, many months.”
After that, she adds, it’ll take some time to identify the right male and undertake the slow introduction process.
“We just want to make sure the group is strong and stable enough.”
To hear Ian’s full interview with Dr. Malu Celli – click the player.
