Micki P's LA Zoo Fun

Nan

2009-07-02T13:30:00.000-04:00

Diverting Back to Bruno and Eloise

2009-06-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

Gracie

2009-06-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

Regina

2009-06-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

The Matriarch: Pandora

2009-05-26T17:49:00.000-04:00

Jake, the Lovable Chimp

2009-05-21T14:09:00.000-04:00

Ripley: The Guy that Wants to be Leader

2009-05-18T14:33:00.000-04:00

Jerrard, One Time Alpha

2009-05-15T12:26:00.000-04:00

The Real Big Guy, Shaun

2009-05-12T18:40:00.001-04:00

On to the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountain ... Glenn

2009-05-07T19:52:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-28T00:13:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-10T20:18:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-08T19:15:00.000-04:00

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

2009-04-02T12:54:00.000-04:00

Kalim: The Ornery One

2009-03-31T12:39:00.000-04:00

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:

Forget Stalling ... On to the Orangutans

2009-03-26T19:41:00.000-04:00

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.

Ok, I've been informed that the Alafia debut may not be until May or June. :( I suppose the gorillas have others things to keep them occupied while we fans are eagerly anticipating the new family debut. Oh, well.

So, on to the Red Ape Forest where the Orangutans of the LA Zoo reside. I've become very fond of the zoo's orangs since I started volunteering for Orangutan Watch several hours a week. Orangutans are very interesting animals with great intelligence and problem solving skills. I've heard it said at times, "Give a chimpanzee a problem to solve and it will work on it a couple of hours, get about 90% of it accomplished, and then give up. Give a gorilla the same problem, it will work on it a couple of days, get about 90% of it accomplished, and then give up. Give an orangutan the same problem, and it will work on it for a couple of weeks, but will get it accomplished." Not only are orangutans intelligent, they are skilled at making and using rudimentary tools to accomplish what they want done. If they don't have a project that they are doing, they are thinking about one, or else observing for more ideas.

Whereas adult gorillas usually stick to the ground and chimpanzees are both on ground and in the trees, the orangutans in the wild are more arboreal ... spending most of their time in the trees. According to an orangutan researcher with whom I spoke, in the wild, though the orangutans cannot move their arms as quickly nor their wrists in order to reach and climb as the chimps can, the orangutans are resourceful and will use their weight to move the branches closer together for reaching and other resourceful methods of climbing.

The gorillas live in small family units with a single silverback leader. The chimps live in large units with several males who often vie for alpha position. But, the orangutans live solitary lives in the forests of Borneo or Sumatra. Only the mothers live with their children for about 7 to 8 years. When mating is wanted, they make long calls to help them be found.

At 40 years old, Eloise is the oldest LA Zoo Bornean Orangutan. Eloise was born at the Los Angeles Zoo (Old Griffith Park Zoo) in November 1968. Her mother didn't know how to remove the afterbirth, and, for 20 minutes while the keepers tried to get her from her mother, she went without oxygen. They worked hard at reviving her, and succeeded. As a result, she now suffers from cerebral palsy and mental disabilities, but she does incredibly well. Her right eye droops, her bottom lip hangs out awkwardly often with her tongue in sight, her feet are not nimble, and she moves very slowly. Instead of "walking" as the other orangs, Eloise normally rolls to get from one place to the other since her feet do not work well. But, Eloise does most everything the others do. She climbs and visits with visitors often. She's even had art sold on auction. Actually, Eloise was the dominant female for awhile because she didn't try to get away from the males, and they couldn't resist. So, she's had several offspring, including the resident Rosie. She often plays happily with 4 year old Berani. Or, the others, like Bruno or Rosie will bring her some love and care from time to time. Bruno is very fond of Eloise, and they can be quite the lovebirds at times.

Eloise looking up at her sweetheart, Bruno:

Bruno assisting Eloise up the wall to see the keeper:

Eloise climbing up the netting and over to go in for the evening:

Eloise finishing her breakfast:

Eloise eating a snack:

Eloise is shot a look from Kalim when Kalim thinks Eloise is stealing her attention:

Eloise bonding with a small child:

Eloise loves my oldest son, and comes to visit him every chance she gets:

Stalling for Alafia

2009-03-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

Hasani: The Other Bachelor

2009-03-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

"Auntie" Evelyn ...

2009-03-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

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 "Evie." I couldn't help but fall in love with her. She is unique, to say the least. Evelyn, born March 7, 1976 at the Los Angeles Zoo, often stops for a moment to make sure I am or other visitors are watching her. She is the star of the LA Zoo, and is the most social of the Lowland Gorillas living there. She often enjoys performing for an audience. She will, at times, imitate visitors blowing kisses, sticking out their tongues, and even a slight wave. Evelyn was born to Bum (born in the wild, died January 23, 1978 at the Los Angeles Zoo) and Kay (born in the wild, died April 11, 1997 at the St. Louis Zoo). Evelyn's offspring is Jim (born August 1, 1987 in the LA Zoo) who is now a troop leader at Denver Zoo. Jim's father was wild born Tzambo who died April 10, 1999 as a result of the combination of severe heart disease and anesthesia. Great apes are very susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, digestive problems, and cancer. And, without the healthcare and dental care provided in zoos, wild apes often die earlier in the wild. (Dental care is important, because in the wild, once their teeth are gone, their health declines quickly.)

Unlike the other gorillas of this family group, she seems very fascinated by the humans who visit her each day. Of course, when she feels like it, young Glenda will check out the visitors and play with the children at the glass. But, Evie seems to thrive on her audience ... she looks at these humans as though she is wondering what makes her different from them. While the other family members go about their business, she will sit at the window or in the middle of all three visitors' openings where she can watch her audience, and they can watch her. She is one of the few gorillas that one can watch directly. Most gorillas take "looking at them in the eyes" as a threat, and don't like it at all. Evelyn, herself, though, often studies the faces, and doesn't seem to mind that we study her face.

In years past, before the new Gorilla exhibit, Evelyn was able to get out of her enclosure several times (from the time she was two). Notice, I didn't use the word "escape." She didn't seem to be "escaping" at all ... she just seemed curious and sometimes went around to the exhibits and watched as a visitor ... or she grabbed onto a keeper, as if to say, "I'm lost ... will you help me?!" After each of her adventures, she was glad to have been returned home where she was safe.

Evie has a bad habit that she taught the other members ... regurgitating and eating it over and over. Gorillas in the wild usually graze and eat throughout the day. But, she is so fascinated by humans that she likes to sit and watch them, and doesn't want to be bothered for too long a time with looking for more food when she can just re-eat what she gathered already. Besides, Kelly is too big a bully when it comes to the lunch smorgasbord. And, since it is too difficult to gather more food by the time Kelly comes out, she gathers as quickly as much as she can handle, hides from Kelly until he passed by on the smorgasbord trail, and then perches for her audience with her lunch. She eats her lunch and watches the people. When she finishes her food, she regurgitates, and eats it again as she watches the people. She can't be bothered with more gathering when there are visitors to see and Kelly to worry about. Though the others have picked up this trick, they don't do it as often, as they busy themselves with walking, gathering more munchies, playing with each other, or spending time together as a family. Of course, Rapunzel does it more than the others, because she doesn't like to move as often ... she'd rather sit.

"Auntie" Evelyn is fairly tolerant of Glenda. She disciplines and spends time with Glenda often. This is so even though Glenda will do anything to irritate Evie at times ... such as bring her dad over to protect her, while she steals Evie's stockpiles of food, or tease Evie mercilessly. For, Kelly will adamantly defend his little Glenda every time, if needed.

Evelyn can be quite a handful for the silverback leader Kelly. Evelyn's own son, Jim, was sent to Denver to be a troop leader. I don't think she quite gets why she has to "obey" this non-relative, even though that is often how it is in the wild since the females never stay with their father's groups. Sometimes Evelyn is stubborn and won't go in for the lunch so that the keepers can go out and spread their lunch safely. And, this makes Kelly so angry, because he loves his lunch time. Other times, Evelyn won't come out after lunch, which also makes Kelly irate, because he wants to know where all of his troop members are at all times.

Evie has a good relationship with Rapunzel. They stay out of each other's way, but will defend each other from Kelly's wrath at times.

Evelyn grabbing as much food as she can handle before Kelly comes by:

Evelyn hiding from Kelly as he passes by at lunchtime:

Evelyn perched to see her visitors at all 3 exhibit openings:

Evelyn sitting where she can see the visitors while the others go about their business, only to peeked back and see what she is interested in:

Evelyn being stared down by Kelly, and then kept company by Glenda while Kelly stares Evie down:

As you can see, Evie attempted to hide from Kelly's wrath.

Evelyn being bothered by little thief Glenda:

Auntie Evelyn watching over Glenda at Christmas time:

Evelyn perched for her visitors while she eats her regurgitation:

Evie signing "Feed Me" or else blowing me a kiss:

Evelyn watching her visitors at the window:

Sweet Evie:

Back to the Family Troop for Glenda

2009-03-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

But, she can also be a bit cuddly with her mom, even when daddy was around, as you can see from the pics below.

And, at times, she'd spend time with the older "auntie" Evelyn.

Yet, not to worry, she also knows how to keep herself busy, and is quite independent. Just take a look for yourself!

And, if she doesn't look busy, she's sitting around being cute, or thinking about what other mischieve she can get into for the day.

ARTICLES ABOUT GLENDA ON THE WEB:

Los Angeles Zoo Gorilla Bios:
www.lazoo.org/gorillas/biographies.html

A Pic of Glenda While a Baby at Denver Zoo:
www.flickr.com/photos/73441567@N00/788206429/in/set-72157...

Gorillas Bound for New Digs:
www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6754058

Gorillas in New Exhibit:
articles.latimes.com/2007/nov/08/local/me-gorilla8

Campo Gorilla Reserve Opens:
www.about-losangelesca.com/category/la-zoo/

National Geographic Pic of Rapunzel and Glenda:
news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008

A young girls plays with Glenda:
www.flickr.com/photos/elynndesign/3101410653/in/photostre...

A Cute Pic of Glenda:
www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gorillas-pg,0,2290407.ph...

Another Diversion ... Snow Days at the LA Zoo

2009-03-17T13:07:00.000-04:00

On to Rapunzel ...

2009-03-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Diversion to the Gorilla Bachelor Pad's Jabari

2009-02-19T04:02:00.000-05:00

Then, he jumped up while beating his chest. Still nothing. So, more pacing,
more watching.
And, once again, Jabari jumped up as he beat his chest. Nothing.

Jabari was utterly frustrated. When his and the keeper's attempts to lure Hasani out of the back failed, Jabari sat down and grabbed his head in his utter frustration.
Then, he began to give his own sign language for the keeper to throw him more food ... possibly Hasani's half of the food.
Well ... Jabari got the food. :)

ARTICLES & MISC ABOUT JABARI ON THE WEB:

About Jabari at the AK:
www.gorilla-haven.org/ghdisney.htm

Intro to Campo Gorilla's Troop Leader Kelly

2009-02-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

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.

The Los Angeles Zoo has something new for me with every visit, which is often ... 3-5 times a week. For, I take most of my walks there. It's landscaping and gardens are beautiful, and its residents are fascinating. It definitely keeps me motivated to keep walking. And, since I greatly enjoy sharing my experiences and the knowledge accumulating since the beginnings of my visits to the zoo, I begin this blog. Though every one of the zoo's residents are incredible, my favorite are it's great apes ... the Gorillas, Orangutans, and the Chimpanzees. So, I'll begin my blogging with Campo Gorilla Reserve.

Campo Gorilla Reserve is divided into two large exhibits of Western Lowland Gorillas ... the family troop, which includes Kelly, Rapunzel, Glenda, and Evelyn; and the bachelors, which are half-brothers Hasani and Jabari. Each one of the gorillas are very distinctive in looks and personalities. And, since these animals are each so interesting, this particular blog will concentrate on just one of them ... Kelly, the silverback and troop leader of the family unit.

According to the bio found at the Campo Gorilla Reserve, Kelly, born April 11, 1987 at the Los Angeles Zoo, is the troop leader of Rapunzel, Glenda, and Evelyn. Kelly and Rapunzel are parents of the 3 1/2 year old Glenda. This silverback is known as the "gentle giant," and is a great troop leader and father.

According to the Gorilla Studbook, Kelly was born to Chris (wild born who died April 18, 1997 in the Los Angeles Zoo) and Cleopatra (born July 23, 1978 in Los Angeles, and died November 9, 2000 at the Albuquerque's Rio Grande Zoo). Cleopatra's father was wild born Capt Jack, who died January 27, 1978 at the Los Angeles Zoo, and her mother, and grandmother of Kelly, was Sandy, who was wild born and died January 10, 1998 at the Los Angeles Zoo. Kelly and Rapunzel's offspring include Glenda, aka Tinga, and Tulivu. Glenda lives with parents Kelly and Rapunzel, but Tulivu lives in Albuquerque's Rio Grande Zoo because Rapunzel didn't know how to mother at the time of Tulivu's birth, according to some news articles (see below).

These next two pictures show what a truly loving and caring father Kelly can be. He often plays with his daughter Glenda (aka Tinga). Sometimes he runs from her, or sometimes he chases her in a game similar to tag. In one of the pictures to the left, you'll see Kelly appear to give Glenda something like a "zerbits." Sometimes he'll slide down the hill on his belly, a trick he learned from young Glenda. Other times, he'll gather sticks with her. He is very protective of her, also.

On Tuesday, 2/10/09, he proved his protectiveness of her when Glenda decided she wanted what "Auntie" Evelyn had to eat. Evelyn had several branches full of leaves to munch on. Even though Glenda's mother, Rapunzel, also had some, Glenda wanted Evie's. Glenda attempted to grab some from Evelyn, but Evelyn swatted at her. So, Glenda ran and got her "daddy" Kelly. Kelly positioned himself on a rock nearby to watch the proceedings. Everyone knows not to cross Kelly, and so Evelyn had no choice but to let Glenda take her branches one by one and putting them in a corner. Glenda didn't feel she was getting enough of a rise out of Evelyn, and so she actually hit Evelyn on the head with some of the longer branches. When Evie sat there and took it, Glenda started shaking the branches as she took them to see if she could cause Evelyn's anger to flair. When it got down to the final 2 branches, Evelyn had enough, and tossed the branches over toward Glenda as if to say, "Have it your way!" At this point, Kelly didn't feel he was needed any more, and began walking away. Evelyn saw her chance and began gathering her branches back to her area. When Glenda started to take them back, Evie swatted at Glenda, and Kelly turned back around. So, Evelyn had to pretend she wasn't doing anything. After a moment, Kelly proceeded to the back of the enclosure. Glenda realized at this point that she was a bit cornered, and left with no protection, and then moved around Evelyn and toward her father. When she realized that her Daddy could still see her, she turned around and hit Evelyn on the head. But, when Kelly moved out of eye sight, Glenda had to eventually move on.

As you see in this picture, Kelly is quite protective of Rapunzel, too. One sign of aggression to Gorillas is beating of the chest. And, just before this picture was shot, two young men began beating their chests and making noises (NOT a good thing to do!!!). Kelly then moved quickly over to Rapunzel and stood guard over her for a moment. Then, he proceeded to take his family to the back of the enclosure.

ARTICLES ABOUT KELLY ON THE WEB:

Los Angeles Zoo Gorilla Bios:
www.lazoo.org/gorillas/biographies.html

Gorillas Bound for New Digs:
www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6754058

Gorillas in New Exhibit:
articles.latimes.com/2007/nov/08/local/me-gorilla8

Campo Gorilla Reserve Opens:
www.about-losangelesca.com/category/la-zoo/

When Kelly Turned 20 at Denver Zoo:
www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_...

A Funny Pic of Kelly:
www.global-report.com/toronto/?l=en&a=297984