Gorillas Arrive in Al Ain Zoo

Gorillas Arrive in Al Ain Zoo

A bachelor group of four Western Lowland Gorillas recently arrived in Al Ain Zoo from Apenhleul Primate Park in the Netherlands. Here they will be part of the captive management breeding programme amongst good zoos. This group consists of ‘Jambo’ and his three sons and so will not actually be breeding but be an extremely important backup bachelor group.

These will be the first Gorillas in Al Ain since the death of the much loved “Lady” at 41 years of age in August 2016.

The new Gorillas are not yet on show to the public as they spend time settling in to their especially built enclosure.

There are two other Gorillas in the UAE in Dubai. There are rumors of four others in private hands but ZooNews Digest has been unable to find further information on these.

Rare proboscis monkeys in Apenheul!

'Bagik' - Photo Apenheul/Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Rare proboscis monkeys in Apenheul!

Unique outside Asia

With excitement the arrival of these unusual and spectacular new additions to the Apenheul collection had been looked forward to. The three male proboscis monkeys Julau (9), Bena (10) and Bagik (9) fortunately were unfazed by their long trip from Singapore to the decidedly cool Netherlands. Unhurriedly, as proper leaf-eating monkeys, they are now inspecting their new home. After a short period of adjustment, they can be seen by the Apenheul visitors from 26 July onwards.

Over the past weeks the inside quarters for the proboscis monkeys have been completed. Weather permitting, they should soon be able to spend their days outside on their new island. The big challenge for Apenheul is keeping the proboscis monkey well fed. They need to eat large amounts of fresh leaves every day. Also in winter, when fresh leaves are scarce. Many people have helped this summer to collect fresh leaves which will be deep frozen for use in winter.

Proboscis monkeys occur naturally on Borneo only and until now could only be seen there and in a few Asian zoos. For the European visitors, this is a unique opportunity to see this spectacular species close-up. Julau, Bena and Bagik are fully grown males, with the characteristic big noses and big bellies.

SEE VIDEO OF ARRIVAL

Apenheul and Singapore Zoo will set up an international studbook for the proboscis monkey and invite other holders of this species to enter their animals in this studbook. With that information, an internationally coordinated breeding programme can be initiated. The wild populations of proboscis monkeys have decreased by more than 50% over the past decades. Wildlife Reserves Singapore is already involved in conservation and research of wild proboscis monkeys on Borneo and Apenheul will join them in these projects.


SEE ALSO : New Monkey Species For Apenheul Primate Park

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New Monkey Species For Apenheul Primate Park

Photo courteousy Apenheul Primate Park

Unique outside of Asia

A First for Apenheul Primate Park

In late July Apenheul is expecting three new residents. Arriving from the Singapore Zoo will be three male Proboscis Monkeys Nasalis larvatus. This species is found only in Borneo and currently can only be seen in a few Asian zoos. It is an honor that these animals come to Apenheul offering visitors a unique opportunity study these spectacular and interesting animals.

The appearance of the Proboscis Monkey is quite striking especially so in the males with their large noses and huge pot bellies. The Indonesian name for this species is "Orang Belanda" which translates to ''The Dutchman'....and these are the only 'Dutchmen' in a zoo in the Netherlands, or anywhere else outside of Asia.
These three animals are captive born and form a bachelor group. The Singapore zoo had been looking for a partner to a zoo program for the conservation of this species and to establish holders in reputable collections further afield.

This is something of a coup for the monkey park, which this year celebrates its fortieth anniversary. The collection had been looking for a new species for which it could dedicate its experience and knowledge.
The species is something of a challenge. It is a sensitive monkey to care for. Proboscis monkeys require a specific menu, with lots of fresh leaves of non-hardy trees. This will mean the picking and freezing of leaves to supply food during the winter months. Moreover, the Proboscis is a gourmet, they eat only the best. Some of the Apenheul Keepers are already in Singapore learning about the husbandry and care.
The situation of monkeys which can only be found in the wild on Borneo is far from good. The wild population has dropped by over 50% during the last 40 years. This is mainly due to habitat loss. In zoos they are only in Asia.

There is currently no breeding programme for these animals in the zoos. Apenheul will take the lead in setting up such a programme for the species. The Monkey Park along with Singapore Zoo will look towards setting up a conservation project in an area where monkeys occur.
Translated from Dutch to English via Google Translate with a little bit of tweaking from me.

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Rwanda Returns Gorillas To The Congo

After a delay of more than six years two Mountain Gorillas were returned home to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two animals have been held in Rwanda since they were confiscated by poachers.

In the first return of its kind, 9 year old female 'Maisha' and 6 year old male 'Kaboko' will start their journey home and eventually back to their original habitat.

In Rwanda they have been given specialised and constant care. The re-introduction to other Gorillas will take place under the guidance of vets and experts from Apenheul Zoo.

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