Howletts » Howletts Wild Animal Park

16-10-2008

I saw two cubs but only at long range so the other was probably nearby.

17-10-2008

I thought Howletts/Port Lympne were only planning to breed from the Sumatran pair and Tug and his female. When i went (which was a few years ago) I'm sure Malchek was being kept on his own because they had no space left to house anymore tigers.

20-10-2008

Hey Pertinax, I agree with you that Djangou is very impressive but I think he is the image (apart from the eye!) of his father Djala! Same impressive frame and fabulous crown. Do you remember all of that motley crew when they were all in with each other many years ago? I am trying to find a very old Howletts guide with an early photos of the group with Kouillou, Djala, Sounda and Sangha when they were in the end enclosure that now houses Bitanu's group. If anyone has one would love to see the early shots.

Cheers

20-10-2008

Sorry but I can't see it- he's dark like Djala in colour but not quite as black overall or on the head- and his face and head shape are quite different. I think facially he takes more after the mother 'Sangha'.

Similarly, Kijo (who is still my favourite Howletts gorilla of all) definately facially resembles his mother (Juju) rather than father 'Kisoro'(who was another beauty) & 'Kifu' looks like 'Founa' (mother) rather than Kijo(father)

Do you know if there are any plans to remove the two large sons in Djala's group yet?

20-10-2008

Oh well, agree to differ I guess, I can see Djala so clearly, not in specifics but in general!

20-10-2008

They've done a nice postcard of Djala recently. Is there any news about plans for Djala's big sons in his group?

20-10-2008

Yes, he is so magnificent, I must try and get the card! My photo on my page is of Djala, taken by a young pal of mine who is a big gorilla freak. Were you around when they were all in the smaller group of 'sprogs' from the Congo, about 18 years ago. There was much tension between Djala who was even massive then, and ol' Kouillou, who was 'playing to the gallery' all the time!!

Am heading to Port Lympne in the next week or so, so will try to find about the group dynamic. Did you manage to find out yet who the youngsters were in Bitanu's group?

20-10-2008

I do remember seeing them as youngsters but its very hazy now.

I haven't found out which youngster's have joined the 'Bitanu' group. The three old females are back in the enclosure I very first saw them in many years ago now Their male then was 'Gugis'( he was a very 'odd' male!!)

The only one I never saw was the very first male 'Kulu' who died when he was 12- but for his tragic death Howletts would probably have been breeding ten years before they did.

21-10-2008

Missed bit about Kijo, yes he really does have the most beautiful eyes ever on a gorilla or even human!! My favourite is Kouillou whom I have known for a long time and am so fond of. He still has so much character, would have been a great performer if human!! Juju was looking ancient the other day, a really elder stateswoman, go girl go!

21-10-2008

My fault because I rewrote the post...

I've always thought Kijo was a particularly handsome animal, but they all are really....Kouillou is very colourful with his bright red cap. I was surprised that he became a successful group leader as I know he had a bad start and is quite humanised(blows raspberries etc..) but it didn't seem to affect his social relationships.