![]() ![]() Photo Captions (credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)ġ734, 3873, 4231, 4606, and 4760: Jontu, a 26-year-old western lowland gorilla, can now be seen in Brookfield Zoo’s Tropic World: Africa. It is estimated that there are approximately 300,000 western lowland gorillas found in swamps and dry lowland forests throughout Western Equatorial Africa, including in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, and Republic of the Congo, and 320 western lowland gorillas living in accredited North American zoos. Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources primarily due to commercial hunting for the bushmeat trade, diseases such as the Ebola virus, as well as the illegal pet trade and habitat destruction from logging. "Guests may notice Jontu, sitting away from the others a lot of the time, but he is very attentive and aware of where other members of the troop are and monitors them, always looking out for their best interest,” said Tim Sullivan, interim director of primate care. At his former home, Jontu proved to be a very calm and even-keeled leader and individual, which is what Brookfield Zoo’s gorilla group needs at this time. In addition, to protecting members within the group, he also maintains harmony amongst everyone and breaks up disputes if needed. and 3 p.m., but eventually will be able to be seen during regular Zoo hours.Ī silverback gorilla plays an important role. For the time being, the gorilla family can be seen daily between 10 a.m. Now, with introductions complete and Jontu seeming relaxed and engaged with enrichment items placed throughout the habitat, the nearly 500-pound ape is ready to meet zoogoers. During these periods, the section was closed to guests to allow him time to get comfortable in his new home with all the members of the gorilla group-Binti, 35 Koola, 28 Kamba,18 Nora, 9 and Ali, 4. Over the past few weeks, Jontu was given access to the Tropic World: Africa habitat. ![]() Since his arrival, the silverback (adult male gorilla) has been behind the scenes getting acclimated to his new surroundings, the animal care specialists, and the Zoo’s other resident gorillas. Jontu, a 26-year-old western lowland gorilla, arrived at Brookfield Zoo in early February from Saint Louis Zoo. Though gorillas can stand upright, they prefer traveling on all fours, pushing themselves forward with their knuckles and soles of their feet.Brookfield Zoo’s New Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Ready to Meet Zoogoersīrookfield, Ill. The leader organises troop activities, such as eating, nesting in leaves, and moving about the group’s home range. Troops also include several other young males, some females, and their offspring. Troops are led by one dominant, older adult male, often called a silverback because of the swath of silver hair that adorns his otherwise dark fur. Gorillas can climb trees, but they’re usually found on the ground in communities-known as troops-of up to 30 individuals. Like their cousins, western lowland gorillas are endangered and face threats from habitat loss, the bush meat, pet trade and infectious diseases. ![]() Western lowland gorillas have shorter black-brown hair, longer arms, and a more prominent ridge along their brow. Western lowland gorillas are the smallest of the four gorilla subspecies, which also include the Cross River gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas, and Mountain gorillas. ![]()
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