Zoo Leipzig: Following the demise of two gorillas, a caregiver expresses genuine sorrow - "Many tears were shed"
Leipzig Zoo's Gorilla Group Adjusts After Loss of Kio and Kibara
The loss of two prominent gorillas, Kio and Kibara, at Leipzig Zoo has led to observable shifts in the social structure and behaviour of the remaining gorilla group. According to Daniel, a caretaker at the zoo, the relationships within the group need to be rebuilt.
Kio, a dominant male, and Kibara, a key group member, were well-loved by the caretakers and their deaths were a heavy blow. The cause of their deaths, which remained unclear for a long time, was eventually determined to be sepsis caused by coli bacteria.
In the aftermath of their loss, Daniel has been closely monitoring the eating habits and feces of the gorillas. He is particularly concerned about female Kumili, who barely ate anything immediately after the deaths. Silverback Abeeku, Kibara's favourite partner, was also heavily mourning, calling out a lot for Kibara.
However, there are positive signs. All four remaining gorillas are eating regularly again, which is a welcome development for Daniel and his team. The caretakers continue to tend to their animals daily with dedication and affection, and the veterinarians work closely with them to address the situation in the enclosure.
The enclosure remains in a tense situation, with the gorillas' behaviour having noticeably changed. The caretakers are still keeping a close eye on the enclosure to prevent any further infections. The shock of the deaths still runs deep for many at Leipzig Zoo, and the caretakers form emotional bonds with the animals they tend to.
Despite the challenges, the caretakers are committed to supporting the recovery of the gorilla group. If you want up-to-date, detailed information about Leipzig Zoo's gorillas, contacting the zoo directly or checking their official communications may be necessary.
[1] General gorilla behaviour studies [2] Zoo animal group changes (such as elephants in Hellabrunn Zoo) [3] No mention of Leipzig Zoo gorillas or the impact of Kio and Kibara’s loss
[1] A study focusing on the impact of loss on the lifestyle and behavior of gorilla groups within a home-and-garden setting, such as zoos, may reveal interesting insights following the death of prominent group members like Kio and Kibara.
[2] The adjustments in a gorilla group's social structure and behavior after the loss of key members, such as the recent incident at Leipzig Zoo, can sometimes be observed in other home-and-garden animals, such as elephants in zoos like Hellabrunn Zoo.
[3] Although the loss of Kio and Kibara at Leipzig Zoo has led to shifts in the gorilla group's behavior, it's important to note that the effects of such a loss on the lifestyle and well-being of various pet gorillas would likely vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances and bonds between the animals and their caretakers.
