Calgary Zoo captivates its gorillas with ‘seaside’ sand
Posted Dec 28, 2022 4:42 pm.
Last Updated Dec 28, 2022 5:21 pm.
The Calgary Zoo says its technicians have created a ‘seaside’ filled with sand that ended up captivating its gorilla family.
“Does the winter weather have you dreaming of the beach? Us too! Our Animal Care Technicians recently created some ‘seaside’ enrichment for our troop,” Calgary Zoo said in a tweet.
The zoo shared a heartwarming video showing western lowland gorillas, Yewande and Dossi, digging holes, feeling the sand between their toes, and showering themselves.
“A pile of sand can captivate an entire gorilla family!” read the tweet.
Does the winter weather have you dreaming of the beach? ⛱ Us too! Our Animal Care Technicians recently created some ‘seaside’ enrichment for our troop. From digging holes to feeling the sand between their toes, a pile of sand can captivate an entire gorilla family! #OurZooYYC pic.twitter.com/IebKZ4EcLH
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) December 28, 2022
According to its website, Yewande was born on May 15, 2008 to 25-year-old “long time resident,” Zuri.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Dossi welcomed its first baby on April 20, 2022.
“A critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born early this morning to first time gorilla parents, “Dossi” & “Jasiri”. All are doing well – with great early mothering skills being shown by Dossi,” the zoo tweeted.
Exciting news!???? A critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born early this morning to first time gorilla parents, “Dossi” & “Jasiri”. All are doing well – with great early mothering skills being shown by Dossi! Learn more: https://t.co/iYeHmJ1NyL ???????? #YYCGorillaBaby pic.twitter.com/E2TqQ8YXSz
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) April 20, 2022
In addition to Dossi’s new born baby, the zoo currently has six adult gorillas: Dossi, Jasiri, Zuri, Kioja, Yewande, and Kimani.
The zoo adds the western lowland gorilla is a critically endangered species.
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“Due to poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20-25 years,” said the zoo. “Populations can be found in the wild in Cameroon, the Central Africa Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.”
