Thanks! I found it quite hard taking pictures at Twycross lots of reflections in the glass and also the weather was quite overcast which didn't help. My pictures of Boulas, Bongo and Asante didn't come out well enough unfortunately. He spent alot of time looking over at the other enclosure like that, Im sure he does want her back just a shame she wasn't interested in him! Maybe in time they can try them together again perhaps.
Unfortunately I don't think it would ever work It is chiefly because of Asante's humanised background that she behaved like this and her behaviour won't change. So if she gets on okay(or at least better) with Boulas I think she'll stay in that group.
If you watch the webcam or go and stay for a period of time Oumbie is constantly doing the same movements around his enclosures. (walks outside, straight to the "climbing frame", climbs up it, looks out over to the other exhibit, climbs down, stands near the other entrance to indoors [sometimes displays] and then walks back in). Surely this behaviour is doing the "breeding" group no good at all?
It's a pity. I wonder how she will get on with Boulas? He was being kept in Joes old section when I was there and Asante was sat right up against the viewing window basically as far away from him as possible. Maybe in time she will accept him and they can mix them together and if that happens perhaps they would be tempted to try her again with the male who is more likely to be a breeder - as she is Eva's only offspring and genetically valuable. Having said that I suppose doing this would be stressful for any animal let alone one with her track record and as you say her behaviour won't change anyway. It is quite depressing. I wonder if Ozala is pregnant yet? Oumbie's been there quite a while now
I hate to be negative but compared to the balanced, active and social group that I saw at Chessington not so long ago I think the Twycross Gorillas aren't doing so well at all. I didn't really didn't like the enclosures much (I never have) I hope they will go about upgrading them to a 21st century standard in time. I also think it would probably be better for them if they were in one group, obviously with one male but as they have two the current situation is more justifiable. I didn't like the 'enrichment' - Cardboard boxes, plastic crates and tennis balls. What would be wrong with a bit of straw with food in it for them to investigate? These are intelligent animals and I think they are not being sufficiently mentally stimulated. If they had more to occupy them It may take Oumbie's mind off the other group and they might even see some improvement in Asante's behaviour. This is just my opinion.
I doubt providing additional enrichment will actually do anything to stop this behaviour, maybe a couple of different ideas to keep it new and something different for them. Ideally I would like to see his group increased in number with more females to keep his mind occupied on reproducing.
I think that it would improve their well being generally, at the moment they remain inactive for long periods of time. I don't think it would stop the behaviour but it would give them something to occupy them and perhaps ease it a little. It probably would be good to have more females in his group but It's unlikely to happen unfortunately.
Sorry misunderstanding from me, I thought as you had qouted me (talking about Oumbie behaviour) that you meant your suggestion would stop this behaviour. You are correct it would probably help in general and keep them more stimulated. Not sure if its any one else but Ozzla seems to be good at entertaining herself thought out the day? I would like to see hot-wired planting placed in the enclosure, then in a year or two once it has had chance to mature the hot-wire is removed and a new area planted. Just probably dreaming thou there.
