Wrong on all counts! I mean south, as in Louisville, Kentucky where the new gorilla habitat has opened at the Louisville Zoo.
Three lowland gorilla's, from the Bronx Zoo in New York, rated one of the top 10 in the U. S., will be making the new habitat their home. Timmy, the 45-year old silverback, is making this sojourn along with 41-year old female, Tunuka and 15-year old Paki, also a female.
The change from the Bronx Zoo where Timmy has been in residence since 1991 is an effort by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in conjunction with the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) to create better match-ups for the gorilla's that will promote better social situations, as in this case, by aligning the more "mature" gorillas together. Paki, even though she is much younger than her companions, is the exception and was moved with Timmy and Tunuka because she is an important part of their lives.
Because of their advanced years (40's being very advanced for most gorillas), placing the senior citizens together vs. living amid much younger gorillas, will help the elder gorillas conserve their energy which in turn will promote better health.
By placing the older non-breeding gorillas in their own habitat gives them the opportunity to socialize more and take life at a slower pace while placing the younger gorillas in their own habitat will provide them with like-minded, high-energy companions and potential mates.
If you've never had the opportunity to see a silverback, up close and personal, here's a little information. Males can stand approximately 6 ft tall and can weigh up to 400+ pounds and have the distinctive silver fur across their back. Though quiet and shy, and yes, they are vegetarians, take a look at their arms and you'll get an idea of just how strong these normally gentle yet magnificent creatures are. Females aren't anything to sneeze at size-wise either, they can stand 5 ft tall and weigh up to 300+ pounds! That's only 5 inches shorter than me! For more information, click here for interesting Gorilla facts.
Unfortunately, lowland gorillas are on the endangered species list with lack of habitat as one of the primary issues. For more information concerning wildlife conservation, and ways you can help, please visit the Jane Goodall Institute and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
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