Gorilla Kumbuka 28 March 2012

Anyone got a manicure set?

They do seem rather fascinated by their nails. I once watched the old male Kumba at London sitting on a shelf doing nothing and he repeatedly looked at his fingernails just like people sometimes do in a bored/relaxed situation.

He'd just dug up a stone to throw to me (not at me!) so probably had dirt under his nails. My other photos suggest a spot of blood too. He was engrossed for some time and didn't object to me watching him, having chosen to sit opposite me. Not the aggressive creature he was made out to be in a recent press item

I think the suggestion about why he throws stuff- mostly to make contact and that he isn't angry, is on the mark.

But I do wish they would allow at least one other male to be with him- they would probably spend a lot of time wrestling and play- chasing and would reduce the amount of time he focuses on people and possibly the throwing behaviour too(but I doubt it would stop it entirely.)

I was told by a the gorilla keeper at the zoo that they did try and introduce him to the other males, but he didn't have the social skills that allowed him to interact with the others without getting himself over excited and throwing them around a little too much.

You can't blame him for getting over excited! Kiondo and Kivu are his old friends. I'm not a gorilla expert, but I would have thought that mixing them on the island, where they could get away from him if necessary, would be worth trying.

The last time they put Kivu and Kiondu back in with him they spent the whole day kissing and hugging Kumbuka was their buddy and they spent many years together before the 2 brothers arrived. Yes when he was put in with Kiondu he was so excited as they are social animals that he did throw Kiondu around but not to hurt him lets face it he kept going back for more.......