Nan

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

This is Nan, another Matriarch, and mother of big boys Shaun and Glenn. Nan was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on December 12, 1979. She was very close to her mother, Bonnie, and like her sister, was a very good mother to Shaun (once Alpha Male) and Glenn (current Alpha Male???). She was gentle and loving, but very timid and anxious, especially when there were changes. She often looks quite shy. Yet, when it comes to her sons and their positions, she is not afraid to let her mind be known ... loud and clear. Like Pandora, Nan is not afraid to get involved in the hierarchy struggle.

Lately, though, the dominance position seems to be up in the air. Is it still her son Glenn, or has Pandora's younger son Ripley finally succeeded? After Shaun and Glenn's recent injuries, including the removal of Glenn's finger, they just often don't seem to want to get hurt in the struggles anymore. So, Ripley, and his older brother Jerrard have been displaying more, but there also have been a lot more peaceful moments between these brothers and their "rivals" Glenn and Shaun.

Anyway, back to Nan. I have had a hard time gathering pictures of Nan and her sister JoAnna because the two have very dark faces. As well, Nan likes to stay in the shadows as much as possible ... probably because her dark color only adds to the heat she feels.

Nan with son Glenn:


Nan with the other Matriarch, Pandora, and Pandora's son Ripley:


Nan observing some visitors:


Nan? looking through the shadowed glass:

Diverting Back to Bruno and Eloise

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Since I'm struggling getting a good picture of Nan, the next chimp I'll blog about, and since, Bruno and Eloise really made an impression on me yesterday, I just have to blog about them today....

As I watched the two of them at the observation window yesterday, a couple with their two beautiful Newfoundland service dogs came to watch them as well. Bruno was sitting near a family when the couple with their dogs arrived. Knowing that other animals don't always enjoy the company of dogs, the couple cautiously approached. When the man felt it was safe, he slowly approached the window with the male dog. Immediately, an intrigued Bruno moved toward the dog ... in a friendly manner ... with his hands and face against the window. The dog was a little nervous, but calmed down quickly and relaxed easily beside Bruno. Bruno sat there as if making a new friend, and pressed his lips to the window several times. Then, after some time, the owner gave the male dog to his lady partner, and brought the female dog carefully to the window. The female was a bit more nervous, and whimpered a bit. At her whimpering, Bruno gently punched (yes ... gently) the window and looked at her as if to say, "See, it's ok ... I can't hurt you." I realize the words gently and punched don't normally belong together, but it is the best way I can think to describe his sweet action. For, he was calm and seemingly loving about it. The female dog calmed down almost right away. Then, the two of them sat together for awhile.

As the shade left, and the sun beat down upon Bruno, he finally retreated back to the shade where Eloise was sitting at the other end of the exhibit. Eloise, then, rolled quickly to see the dogs at the window. (Remember, Eloise has Cerebral Palsy, Mental Disabilities, and arthritis.) But, as any female orangutan, she was much more cautious. She sat at a distance, watched, and made many noises at them. She "zerbitsed," spit, gurgled, and groaned ... but the dogs just laid there. After awhile, she came closer and did the same. She was quite funny to watch, but acting as a wild female orangutan would ... cautiously! Then, one of the dogs moved closer. She, even with her disabilities, moved quickly away, but stopped and looked back, and began the noises again. It was obvious she was curious and wanted to see what would happen, but she was still careful.

As Eloise made her statements, Bruno watched contently from the shade. Often, when Eloise or one of the other females is getting a lot of attention from someone, Bruno will come between the female and the adoring fan. Sometimes he'll put his hand on top of Eloise's head or around her as if to say, "This is my girl." Or, sometimes, he just seems to want her fans to adore his handsome self. But, since Eloise didn't seem to be soaking up the attention as usual, Bruno seemed to enjoy her entertaining gestures.

After a while, the owners and dogs left, Eloise quickly followed them around the exhibit until they were out of site. At the other side of the exhibit, Eloise built up a human fan base. She enjoyed the attention from the humans. That's when Bruno stepped in. He moved over and sat right in front of her ... between Eloise and the visitors adoring her. When their adoration directed toward him, he was happy, and moved against the netting to hear their wonderful remarks about his handsome being. Awww... Bruno.

Gracie

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Gracie, once called the “Wild One,” was born January 26, 1987, at Los Angeles Zoo to Pandora and Judeo. She was mother to Jean by Shaun, and is sister to Jerrard, Ripley and Regina. She was also once known as an "escape" artist because she got out of her exhibit up to 8 times according to some articles, though she never was really trying to "escape." She only really did it for a puzzle to solve and a little adventure, but always returned happily to her own territory. One of these escapades on Jan 19, 2004 caused the evacuation of 9000 visitors, it was her 5th caper since arriving at zoo. She was very precocious and always getting into mischief. One time, she even threw an exit sign at veterinary.

As she grew older, and was "put in her place" by the dominant males, Gracie became much more content to watch, and interact with her other tribe members. Now, she can usually be seen observing, grooming other members, or socializing with her mom or sister.

Though she is a very pretty chimpanzee, I only have a couple of pictures of her because she is normally amid other group members. She has short hair on her head, and beautiful brown eyes. Her sweet look tells nothing of her former mischievous days.

Gracie with Shaun:


Gracie with Shaun through the morning fog:

Regina

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Regina was born October 23, 1983, to Pandora at the Los Angeles Zoo. She is the oldest sister to brothers Jerrard and Ripley, and sister Gracie. Regina is mother to Yoshiko by Judeo, and to Jake by Shaun. According the zoo’s bio, she was a very young mother, and had an unstructured style of mothering, and so her offspring were very independent. Regina is bald on top, and can be quite the goof-ball.

Regina is not the brightest of the bunch, but can be very sweet. When her brothers compete with Shaun and Glenn for dominance, Regina can usually be found hiding from them on a rock ledge ... screaming as loud as she can. And, she often walks around with her top lip flipped up ... really looking goofy. Sometimes chimps do this if they are excited or stressed. She becomes both quite easily.

She seems to be quite family oriented as she spends a lot of time with her adult daughter Yoshi, her mother Pandora, and her brother Jerrard. (Ripley is usually too worried about how he can become alpha.)

Regina looking at me as if asking, "Can you get me more fruit?!"


Regina's turn for more fruit (she's in background)


Regina likes her fruit (background with orange):


Apparently, Regina likes cucumbers, too:


Regina plays "see"-food:


Regina, the goofball, walking around with her upper lip flipped up:


Regina on a tree branch:


Regina with daughter Yoshi:


Regina with brother Jerrard:


Regina taking a walk:


Regina watching the crowd:


Regina relaxing:

The Matriarch: Pandora

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Pandora was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on March 5, 1967, making her the oldest chimp at the LA Zoo currently. And, her mostly bald body reveals her age, but she certainly doesn’t act elderly. She is the mother of Regina, Gracie, Jerrard, and Ripley. She is the grandmother of Regina’s children Yoshiko and Jake, and of Gracie’s daughter Jean. Her family, like her, have a tendency to bald from the forehead down. Yet, they all have beautiful features and intimidating muscle structures.

Since her oldest son's displacement from the Alpha position, and now that her youngest son wants the position, as their mother, Pandora finds herself involved in many of the male dominance spats. As in the wild, mothers are often a big part of the disputes. For, it is important that their family remain in a dominant position ... as they have choice food picks, and mating rights.

Though bald, Pandora can appear very intimidating because she has very powerful muscle structure, even at 42 years of age.

Pandora watches other chimps in her group:


Pandora with young Zoe:


Pandora chilling with big guy Shaun:


Pandora holds daughter Gracie in the shadows:


Though scary looking, Pandora and son Jerrard were just playing around:


Pandora at play again with a younger female:


Pandora - one limber old lady:


Pandora at rest:

Jake, the Lovable Chimp

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Jake, the third baby chimp born at the Los Angeles Zoo in the year 1999, was born June 14, 1999 to Regina and Shaun, but was hand-raised, along with half-sister Jean and adopted Zoe, from 2 days old by keepers to keep safe from rough juvenile chimps. After 2 years the 3 chimps were introduced to the group, and after a long and careful process, became part of the group. They get along quite well within the group.

Many find it difficult not to like this guy. Not only is he "cute," he is playful and friendly, often playing at the observation window for visitors or down in the trench near the amphitheater. Being only 10 years old, he hasn't developed the "I'm the man!" attitude the other adult males have developed as dominance struggles continue. As I've stated before, these dominance struggles between chimpanzee males in a group are very normal and expected. But, Jake is still quite young and smaller than the other males. When the arguments begin between the males, he still sees them as opportunity to run around, make a lot of noise, and show off rather than political and important. If he gets hurt in the struggles, like by getting scuffs on his feet from jumping around on the trees, he still shows his "wounds" off to the visitors, and thinks they are a cool way to get attention, and show others he is "important," too.

Because Jake is not a threat to the other males' ranks, Jake still has all of his hair ... he hasn't been "plucked" by the other guys in effort to make him look less intimidating should he become piloerect. And, the other guys haven't had to put him in his place because he doesn't try to take over their position and ranking in the group. Jake, though, being so "cute," has caught the eye of all the troop's females ... even the 42 year old great-grandmother Pandora! The girls love Jake! And, recently, Jake has developed a strong interest in the females.

Of course, since Jake is the low man on the totem pole, he must secretly grab some romance time. So, lately, when the other males are elsewhere, he'll hand motion for a female to meet him somewhere. Or, a female will grab him and take him away. Not long ago, though, the other males, especially Shaun and Glenn, have caught on to this game. So, now they will keep their eyes on the girls, and also chase Jake around the habitat, keeping him far from the eyelash batting females.

Jake with a playmate since childhood:


Jake in deep thought:


Jake, still thinking:


Jake in the position he often rests:


Wandering Jake:


Jake: Chimp Chit Chat:

Ripley: The Guy that Wants to be Leader

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

This is Ripley, born March 23, 1996, to Pandora and Judeo. He was also a surprise birth because Pandora had a birth control implant. His siblings are Regina, Gracie, and Jerrard. When he was younger, being the youngest of his family, he was given a lot of attention, and got away with many mischievous things. His best friend for some time was Glenn … until the Alpha Male dominance struggle between he, Shaun, and Glenn began. He is missing a bit of hair on the back of his neck and has a scar above the upper lip on the right from dominance struggles.

As I've written previously, Jerrard, Ripley's big brother, was once Alpha male, but that position was taken over by the biggest guy of the tribe, Shaun. Shaun later gave the position to his little brother Glenn. But, big guy Shaun helps keep that position with his little brother by his intimidating size and standing up for his brother when he feels the need. For, it is important to keep the position in the family because he is still assured access to the females and the best food choices, etc. Of course, Jerrard and Ripley want the position in their family, which, based on size and the age of their mother, Pandora (42), is the dominant family, anyway. So, Ripley displays and challenges Glenn or Shaun quite frequently, causing some tension in the group ... just as was found in the wild troop Jane Goodall once followed. In studying the wild troop, it is obvious that the male tension and struggles for dominance are very normal and help keep the males strong and good protectors of the group.

Needless to say, instead of Ripley continuing as Glenn's best friend, he has become the thorn in Glenn's side. For a couple of years now, Ripley has tested Glenn. He is even as bold as to grab a female right in front of Glenn and Shaun ... which is quite a no-no in chimp politics. For, in chimp world, if a non-dominant male wants romance, he'd better get it secretly, away from the Alpha's eyes. Such behavior irates Glenn and Shaun, and invariable causes a spat.

I have very few pics of Ripley ... the only one with him alone is above. The others have him among some other members of his chimpanzee group.

Ripley (seated with an apple already in his mouth):


Ripley in profile (seated against the wall, with Zoe in front of him, and his sister Regina behind him):

Jerrard, One Time Alpha

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Jerrard was born on February 20, 1990, to Pandora and Judeo, and is brother to Ripley, Gracie, and Regina He was once Alpha Male after Judeo, but that was before big guy Shaun took over. (Shaun since gave it over to his little brother Glenn.) He is very out-going, strong, and intelligent. In 1999, Jerrard took baby Jean away from Gracie in a power-play before Jean was moved to nursery to be hand-raised by keepers, along with her half-brother Jake, and adopted resident Zoe. As in the wild, males often make big power displays to show their dominance and in challenges to other males. Sometimes, little ones are unwillingly caught up in the power struggles. Jerrard is missing quite a bit of hair, the top of his left ear, and part of a thumb from dominance fights. As I've mentioned in other blogs, this is very normal for chimps, and is a reason they should never become "pets."

Nonetheless, these animals are incredible to study. I enjoy watching the BBC Worldwide videos on YouTube on the wild chimpanzee group Jane Goodall began studying. For, the videos of these fascinating creatures help me understand the behavior of those Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains in Los Angeles Zoo. LA Zoo should be proud to see their chimps behave so normally.

Anyway, back to Jerard .... He is the big brother to Ripley, and is also sibling to sisters Gracie and Regina. Ripley is currently bigger than alpha male Glenn, and would love to have that alpha position. Since Jerrard would like to have that position back in his family, he helps his brother in their struggles for dominance. And, even though he is balding on his head and front due to his family's genetics, and he has patches of hair missing due to plucking by the dominant males, his bulky, muscular structure can still make him look very intimidating.

As intimidating as Jerrard can look, though, he is normally pretty laid back, and grooming his family members ... or other females in the group. He's a great big brother for their family.

Jerrard


Jerrard with his sister Regina:


Jerrard eating his lunch:


Jerrard play fighting with his mom, Pandora:


Jerrard chilling with his neice, Yoshiko, aka Yoshi

The Real Big Guy, Shaun

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

This is Glenn's big brother Shaun. He was once alpha male, but decided he didn't like the responsibility, and so allowed his little brother Glenn to take over. He works with his brother to keep that position in his family, though. For, Shaun is by far the largest of the 13 chimps.

As I've watched the chimps so often, it seems Shaun is also the self-imposed enforcer on who gets the girls. If one of the other males (besides Glenn) tries to attract a female, Shaun will become piloerect and make quite the display of dominance in order to stop the advances. As in the wild, the less dominant (subordinate) males have to pursue any romance in secret, if at all. But, the other males usually find a way around the dominant males' watchful eyes. Otherwise, they have to make quite the display of dominance themselves.

Shaun was born July 8, 1988, at the Los Angeles Zoo to Nan and Judeo. As I stated, he was once Alpha Male after Jerrard, but gave it over to his younger brother, Glenn. He was always a good older brother to Glenn, and they look out for one another. He fathered 3, including Jean, daughter of Gracie, and Jake, son of Regina, but they don't know it, as they were handraised in order to keep them safe from the very rumbunkscious group of juvenile males at the time of their birth in 1999. He is large, has a broad face, and looks a bit like his younger brother, Glenn, but is missing a few handfuls of hair as a result of some dominance displays by other males. He also has more gray/blond hair on his back than Glenn. He is quite the sight to look at ... and can look very intimidating to the others if he wants to do so. But, most of the time, he is laid back ... sitting back against the wall, keeping an eye and ear on things for his brother.

Shaun on high alert:


Shaun, the handsome one:


Shaun, after a visit to the observation window:


Shaun, quietly observing:


Shaun, with a quick pose before crossing the stream:


Shaun, and an afternoon snack:


Shaun with Gracie:


Shaun with Pandora:
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On to the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountain ... Glenn

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Once again, I have been stalling on this blog because I do not have great photos of my subject, Glenn. My hard drive and laptop have both been struggling lately, though. So, I've been taking and uploading fewer pictures while I work to save the picture files from them. Nonetheless, I couldn't wait to introduce you to the LA Zoo chimpanzees, and wanted to start with the current Alpha male of the group of thirteen.

Glenn was born on April 21, 1994, to Nan and Judeo at the Los Angeles Zoo. He was small and had to be supported by his mother for quite some time, according to the zoo's bio on him. But, he grew into a quite a handsome, strong-willed adult chimp ... I think the best looking of the males. He has plenty of beautiful black hair, and his face is nearly a perfect model of a chimpanzee.

Chimpanzees, according to LA Zoo's site, tend to "live in communities of up to 80 individuals." Unlike the gorillas, who live in small family groups, or the orangutans, who live solitary lives, the chimpanzees live in large groups with several to many males vying for dominance, and a greater number of females to cause more friction among the males. While females, who are under the males in the ultimate hierarchy, tend to see age as the major factor in the females' hierarchy, the males who are strongest and largest are normally the highest ranking. (see http://www.lpzoo.org/chimp-ssp/chimpanzees.htm for further info).

This normal hierarchy tendency seems to make LA Zoo's Glenn the unlikely candidate for the Alpha male position because he is actually the 3rd or even 4th largest male of the 5 LA Zoo males, and is also ranking 3rd when it comes to the males' ages. Not only so, but Glenn comes from the subordinate, or smallest, family in this troop consisting of 2 family groups. So, how is it that Glenn is the current Alpha male of the group? His brother, Shaun. For, Shaun is by far the largest of the troop, and very intimidating to look at. Shaun was the alpha for some time, but didn't enjoy it, and, in order to keep the position in and for his family, he handed the responsibility off to his younger brother Glenn. And, when the need comes, and it often does, Shaun will stand up for his brother. Another interesting thing about chimpanzees is that the mothers of the boys often get involved in the dominance struggles ... and, the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains (in LA Zoo) are no exception to this rule. Both Shaun and Glenn's mother, Nan, and the rivaling brothers' (Jerrard and Ripley) mother, Pandora, get involved in their arguments. This is very interesting to see, as Pandora is becoming elderly at the age of 42, and Nan, nearly 30, is one of the smallest of the chimps (exceptions only are the 3 ten year olds).

The LA Zoo should be proud of the fact their chimps act so much like those being studied in the wild. For instance, the "F Troop" that was once studied by Jane Goodall and is continuing to be studied by BBC Worldwide, has many similarities to the LA Zoo's chimps. For the most part, they live very socially ... grooming and laying around together in their large enclosure. But, like the wild chimpanzees of Gombe's F Troop, there always seems to be underlying tension among the males who are continuing to struggle for dominance. As in the wild, and the very reason chimpanzees should never be kept as pets, though, these chimps (and all chimps) can be very aggressive.

LA Zoo should be praised for their efforts to allow these chimps to act and interact normally in their large and beautiful habitat. Their enclosure keeps the chimps safely inside while visitors can enjoy watching them behave normally, which is usually peaceful. And, in watching these chimps so often, it seems that the zookeepers and healthcare team care for the chimps with excellence, but with as little interference into their lives as possible.

Anyway, back to Glenn. Glenn can often be seen displaying his dominance, as male chimps do, by standing bipedally, piloerect (hair standing on end), making noise, stomping his fist or foot, and even throwing himself against the walls or rocks. This signals to the other chimps that he is the dominant male and dares anyone to challenge him. Sometimes, his older brother Shaun will make such displays as if to say, I dare you to challenge my little brother. And, at other times, Jerrard, and especially younger, but larger than Glenn, Ripley will make such displays as if to challenge Glenn and/or Shaun.

As in the wild, each troop will take on their own characteristics and habits. One of the habits the LA Zoo's troop has picked up is hair plucking during dominance struggles. Now Pandora's family has a tendency to go bald naturally from the head down as they age. But, these males have also begun hair plucking the other capable males in order to make them look less threatening when they become piloerect. As alpha, Glenn has kept the most hair of the 4 oldest and capable males. But, Shaun, Jerrard, and Ripley are all missing patches of hair from their necks and backs due to hair plucking. Young Jake (10 yrs old) has not yet succombed to the hair plucking since he, as of yet, has not really shown a threat to anyone's dominance. So, now that Jake is becoming larger, it is sometimes difficult to tell Jake apart from Glenn at a distance. For, they both have a lot of beautiful, black hair.

Glenn in the shadows:


Glenn, getting some alone time, while watching his troop:


The Big Guys (Glenn sitting behind big brother Shaun):


Glenn (above) sitting with his mother Nan (below):


Glenn stomping his foot:


Glenn playing "see-food":


Glenn scratching an itch:


Glenn displaying his dominance to the troop:


Glenn in a power jump, displaying dominance:


Glenn continuing his display of dominance to his troop:


"Big Man" Glenn ... at least he looks it when he is piloerect:


Glenn:

Last Orangutan, but Not Least ... Rosie

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

I've stalled a bit in putting up Rosie's blog page because I just don't have the pictures to do her justice, yet. It's not that she isn't beautiful ... she is. But, I've often not had the opportunity to take her pictures, and my hard drive with my zoo pics is currently struggling. So, my new Rosie pics are taking some time. Yet, I didn't want to wait any longer. For, Rosie is a sweetheart of an Orangutan that I wish everyone could meet.

Rosie is the daughter of Eloise, and the year older half-sister of Kalim. She is also very intelligent and active. Minyak is very fond of her these days. She was born in March 1981, and was hand-raised, as well as her younger sister Kalim. Though she is very clever like her sister, she seemed to get the sweeter temperment (not that I don't like Kalim ... because she's incredible, too, in her own way). Like her sister, Rosie warms up to certain people, and will often be seen coming over to the netting to quietly watch a particular person she is fond of. When she does so, she will bat her long, long eyelashes, and will often look as sweet or even as pitiful as she can in order to get the most attention. She doesn't stay long, though. Then, she'll go find Minyak or some branch or vines just out of reach that she can use a stick with which to fetch. Rosie is very patient and smart when it comes to her projects. And, when she is working on a project, she is fascinating to watch ... because she really thinks them through. If something she is doing isn't working, she'll scratch her head (literally) and come up with something else.

On days it looks like it may rain, you'll usually find Rosie under a tarp or blanket. As many primates, orangutans especially like to cover up with something. In the wild, they'll use large leaves like a tarp covering.

If I haven't mentioned it before, orangutans are often referred to as "daydreamers." When I'm at the zoo, so many visitors walk by an animal, especially the orangutans and say things like "they look bored." But, if they studied the animals in the wild, and watched the zoo animals long enough, the visitors would realize the zoo animals are usually very content and relaxed, rather than bored. In the wild, orangutans sit for hours while they daydream, study, and observe ... doing nothing, except internally gathering info and putting it together. Then, when they do something, it is done with great intelligence and creativity. People see films of animals, like orangutans, doing interesting things, and think that any of the laying around or thinking the animals are normally doing is abnormal. It's not ... it's very normal. Nonetheless, Rosie, Kalim, and Berani stay pretty busy for orangutans ... they sit and think some, but are very often found by visitors working on their own creative projects.

Rosie is a great, fun aunt for young Berani, and a caring daughter to Eloise. She is also quite a flirt with the boys ... especially Minyak these days. She will often teasingly pull his hair and run from him, and then come back to sweetly groom him.

Rosie above the visitors:


Rosie giving her best pouty face to one of her keepers in order to gain attention:


Rosie carrying her tarp along:


Rosie preparing for a storm:


Rosie cuddling with Minyak:


Rosie eating a snack she gathered herself:


Rosie watching her man (Minyak) above her:


Rosie:

Bruno, the Gentle Giant

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

This is Bruno, the gentle giant. I can't help but love this guy. He has sweet eyes, and loves to observe the visitors, gorillas, and peacocks. And, he'll often give small visitors or visitors sitting in the window area a chance to look him right in the eye as he comes by the window looking into eyes at his level. Bruno treats the disabled Eloise with such sweetness ... often helping her up steep slopes, helping her roll along, or giving her a push on a fire hose in order to swing somewhere. As well, he grooms her often. Even though males have nothing to do with their offspring in the wild, and Bruno is not even related to little Berani, he is very patient with her and often plays with her.

Bruno is or is the almost the biggest of the bunch. He is both Sumatran and Bornean, so he is contracepted. He is gorgeous to look at, though ... very large. Bruno once got out of his outer enclosure when he put a hole in the netting. He only got to the back area in order to visit the gorillas he is so curious about, though, and not in the guest area. For, he had watched the construction of the gorilla exhibit with much curiosity. Then, when the gorillas came back, and there were so many keepers in and out, he became much more intrigued.

Bruno loves his keepers. In the middle of the day, he can often be heard as he bangs on the door and loudly vocalizes. He isn't upset. Since orangutans live solitary lives, in order to call a female or get attention, they must vocalize and make noise. So, if he hears a keeper or it is time for a lunch, he'll go down to the door and make himself known. To some he may sound angry, but he isn't ... it's actually usually just a sweet call to his keepers. Of course, if it is raining or there are riveling females, he may go down to say "Hey! Let me in!"

Bruno posing for a picture:


A happy Bruno:


Bruno peering into visitors' eyes at the window:


Bruno, a sweet boy:


Bruno watching his visitors:


Bruno quietly observing the vistors:


Bruno watching events unfold:


Bruno picking his teeth (he loves to do that):

Minyak's Story of Survival

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Minyak has been quite the fighter ... coming back from near death a few times. He was born March 19, 1981 at a research facility where he stayed for 20 years before arriving at the Los Angeles Zoo in 2001. According to his bio at the Los Angeles Zoo,

When he arrived here, he was very sick with a chronic lung infection. Thanks to the efforts of the vetrinary and animal care staff, he made a remarkable recovery, though he still requires daily medical care. His subsequent success in fathering Berani is a major milestone in the zoo's efforts to preserve the Bornean Orangutan gene pool.

The efforts to keep him alive included the eventual removal of his air sack, an air purification system in his back quarters, and daily nebulizer treatments. He has not only overcome the illness and depression he had when he arrived, but is thriving and happy.

Nowadays, since females only breed about every 9 years, Minyak has been cuddling with Rosie, Kalim's half-sister. (Kalim is Berani's mother). And, when they're not cuddling, he is usually keeping himself where he can see Rosie and pine over her.

Below are some of my pics of Minyak:

Minyak watches me:


Minyak watches his gal Rosie:


Minyak poses for a picture:


Minyak's contentment is evident as he peers at me through the netting:


Unable to see his girlfriend, Minyak climbs higher:


The lovebirds - Minyak and Rosie:


A happy Minyak:


ARTICLES & MISC I FOUND ABOUT MINYAK ON THE WEB:

IQAir Article on Minyak:
www.iqair.com/aboutus/specialprojects/minyak/

LA Zoo Conservation Article About Minyak:
www.lazoo.org/conservation/orangutan102306.html

A Timeline on Minyak Before and After Surgery:
www.lpag.org/home/minyak.html

A Zooscape Article on Minyak
www.multiscope.com/hotspot/iqair_zoo.htm

Minyak's Story:
www.czs.org/uploads/CZS/OrangutanConf/Wednesday/Minyaks-S...

Minyak, a Rare Primate, Embraces Fatherhood:
www.breathingbetterlivingwell.com/community/index.php?sho...

Seattle Times Article on Minyak, Kalim, & Berani:
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002226894_ora...

Life and Times Article on Minyak, Kalim, and Berani:
www.kcet.org/lifeandtimes/archives/200505/20050509.php

The LA Zoo's Orangutans:
www.lazoo.org/animals/mammals/borneanorangutan/

Berani: The Little One

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

Bosco Orangina "Berani" is the youngest member of the Los Angeles Zoo's Orangutan family. She was born to Minyak and Kalim at the Los Angeles Zoo on February 22, 2005. She, according to the zoo's site, is one of the "most genetically valuable Bornean orangutan" infants in North America because her father Minyak, born from 2 wild Bornean orangutan's, is very valuable. She is so enjoyable to watch, as she is very intelligent and curious.

Since Berani is usually on the move - swinging, climbing, or playing with one of the other resident orangs, I've had a hard time getting many photos of her. But, she is quite adorable to watch. She, like her mom, is quite mischievous. But, her name, "Berani" means strength and courage and is due to her father's strength and courage through a difficult time of sickness.

Often, Berani will collect "contraband" (large branches, cell phones dropped by visitors, drain caps, etc). Her mother, Kalim, encourages this because Kalim knows that she can get it from her daughter and trade it for a treat.

At the window, Berani can be quite a show off for little visitors. She will play with them at the window, or will swing or even throw herself around to get a laugh.

Though orangutans are very solitary, except for the mothers and their children staying together for 7-8 years, Berani has managed to make friends with all of the other residents with whom she comes in contact. This doesn't include her father, Minyak, because in the wild the fathers have nothing to do with their offspring. She cuddles with or gets into trouble with her mother, and she plays with Aunt Rosie (her mother's half-sister, and daughter of Eloise), Eloise, and even Bruno. Sometimes Bruno will play peek-a-boo with Berani as he sits under a blanket. Eloise and Rosie will tumble with and poke at Berani who teases them.

Berani peering at her young guests at the window:


Berani chewing on her tater sack:


Berani hanging out with mom, Kalim:


Berani giving her mom some loving:


Berani being silly:


Berani looking at the visitors below:

Kalim: The Ornery One

As with all my blogging, please note that what I have written below comes from my observations and public articles I've read or viewed, and not from the LA Zoo itself. My blogs are not affiliated with the Los Angeles Zoo. I am not an expert, only a quiet observer, and reader on great apes. LA Zoo is near my residence and has been a convenient and wonderful place for me to observe these wonderful creatures. I began observing them when I started walking at the LA Zoo for my health. (The zoo's beauty and life kept me motivated to keep walking.) The great apes grabbed my attention, and so I began researching outside articles and videos as I continued to observe these incredible animals. Thus, my blogs.

While Auntie Evelyn and Glenda may be the stars of Campo Gorilla Reserve, Kalim, along with her daughter Berani, are no doubt the stars of the Red Ape Forest, which houses the orangutans of Los Angeles Zoo. Kalim was born at the LA Zoo, and is about 27 years old now. Kalim is the mother of Bosco Orangina Berani, but is also the half-sister of Rosie. She has been a good mother, and is very intelligent and often mischievous. She is often seen grabbing for or using her inventions and "tools" to reach leaves or branches on the outside of the enclosure. But, she has a habit of spitting at guests if they irritate her or attempt to take things from her or hand them to her. (Btw, NEVER do that!) Of course, she'll also spit at you if she likes you.

I decided to blog on Kalim today because early last week she suddenly took an interest in my husband. While he stood by quietly and watched her, she suddenly went wild ... shaking the netting and spitting at the other guests nearby. Then, she went and hid. While she hid, she peeked at my husband. But, from time to time, she would display her wild streak, and then go back into hiding as she kept an eye on my hubby. It became very apparent that Tom was the reason for her outbursts, and so I told him to leave for awhile, and then go to the observation window and calmly sit and watch her. He did just that. Suddenly, she caught site of him from across the exhibit, and she quickly made her way over to the window, spitting and shaking the netting as she came. After she got to the window, she swung on the fire hoses and put on quite a show for him, and then quietly sat in front of him. After a short time, she began kissing his hands that were on the glass, and his forehead. It was obvious, she was quite smitten by him. So, since then, Tom has made several visits to her. Every visit, she has come to see him, and has made some type of display ... usually shaking the nettting and spitting, but sometimes more subtle displays. When we leave, she'll follow him until she can no longer see him. He seems to have become quite an enrichment activity for her, to say the least.

Please understand, though, that Tom does not call out to Kalim. He stands quietly and respects her. When he is at the glass, he sits quietly and observes her displays of affection ... only placing his hands and forehead on the glass as he sits and watches her. When he is at the netting, he warns others nearby of her possible actions, and removes himself when she becomes too ornery. Even when she attempts to play with him, by trying to feed a firehose to him, he only watches ... he doesn't attempt to interact other than by observing. For, he knows that he holds germs that Kalim or the others may not be able to handle. And, to interact with the orangutans other than observing would be a poor example to the young children nearby. Orangutans are very strong and could easily hurt anyone trying to touch them or come too close to them. And, playing tug-a-war or catch with them is a very dangerous feat, and should never be attempted. If orangutans, which are highly endangered, are to survive, it is important we allow them to be orangutans and not interact too much with them.

Kalim - Taking it Easy:


Kalim loves treats, and will often find "contraband" or gather her daughter's "contraband" in order to trade with the keepers for treats. Contraband includes sticks or rocks that are too large or items like cell phones that visitors have dropped nearby. Below is a picture of Kalim begging for more treats:


Kalim is very intelligent and able. The following picture shows Kalim catching one of her treats (yes, she caught it):


Kalim watching her visitors and the others in the other exhibits from high above:


Kalim getting some love from her daughter, Berani:


Kalim checks to see if I'm still taking pictures:


Kalim checking on her audience:


Kalim notices a young girl wavaing at her, and reaches out:


Kalim waves back to the young girl:


Silly Kalim:


Kalim debating about what project she wants to begin next:


Kalim - Gone fishin':


Kalim shielding Berani from the noisy news helicopter:


Kalim is ready to turn in: