You are right- changes in the group composition completely override any interest in enrichment- Oumbie is far more interested in Asante having moved than any of the 'toys' he's provided with. But this won't interrupt his mating with Ozala, which only happens anyway on a few days in the month when she is in oestrus. I watched him on the webcam this morning- he does have a set 'routine' which involves every so often climbing on the platform and looking out and then climbing on the tree and looking over from there too. But I think he's quite calm and its good exercise for him too.
Am not thinking while am posting What I actually was trying to point out was that a bigger group is far better than any form of enrichment. Also with a bigger group there is more chance of pregnancies. Which is what you have done above.
She spent most of her time eating when I was there! Maybe she's eating for two, she could be I suppose I hope so anyway.
I absolutely agree that oumbie has got a daily routine. Already today i have seen him on the webcam climbing on the platform and looking out and then climbing onto the tree and looking over from there too. He also nearly took ozala out when he starting running round, she had to move very quickly to get out of his way!! Since Asante's departure from the group i have seen an increase in the use of equipment and they are outside alot more. I have also noticed another way to tell her apart from her half-sister asante. Ozala has got a large white section of hair on her left rear. This is just like her mother, biddy, who has got a large white section on her right back leg.
I think you'll find them being outside more is directly the result of Oumbie's interest in the goings on in the other house now. So he does these regular circuits outside which includes climbing up to get the best views. Ozala is a typical 'faithful' female, she tends to follow him about at a discreet distance, always a sign of a good bond, so she is going outside more too. I've never noticed Ozala has a white patch too. Biddy's is still very distinctive and was even more so when she was younger. Ozala is also smaller and darker/blacker than Asante.
Yes, its not a massive, althought as time goes on this might become more noticable with colour change. Do you think it is a gene thing or just luck? You can slightly see it in the pic below - http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/29/article-1223621-06FE9F56000005DC-791_634x955.jpg
I can't see it but would say its genetic as Biddy is her mother. White markings on Gorillas usually fade with age- Biddy's white/silver leg has and there was a female in a french zoo(St Martin La Pleine) which had two pure white 'armbands' which faded to dull greyish as she matured.
