The Calgary Zoo thread

[GGG]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

IRRC, the Polar Bears at the zoo were on Prozac for while.

Most polar bears in captivity are. They don't do wellin zoos

[Circa89]

Originally Posted by GGG

Most polar bears in captivity are. They don't do wellbutrin zoos

[troutman]

Zoo Keeps Close Eye on Baby Gorilla

http://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/zoo-k...-baby-gorilla/

Today marks the 13th day since our baby gorilla arrived! The Animal Care team has been keeping close watch on how the little one is doing but are noticing that the baby is small and has a low weight. The team has seen very successful bonding between Kioja and her baby as well as strong paternal protective instincts from Kakinga. Despite these positive behaviours, the baby is not progressing as quickly as hoped.

[troutman]

Passing of a Patriarch

http://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/passi...a-patriarch-2/

We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by troutman

Passing of a Patriarch

http://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/passi...a-patriarch-2/

We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.

Terrible news. Glad I went to see him one last night last month. Will really miss seeing that big fella.

[driveway]

Originally Posted by troutman

Passing of a Patriarch

http://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/passi...a-patriarch-2/

We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.

When I was... four? Five? I was at the zoo and watching the gorillas in their old home in the Primate house. Kakinga was up against the glass in his enclosure and I, being a kid, was making faces at him: sticking out my tongue, putting my fingers in my mouth and so on.

Amazingly, he made a face back. And then I made another face at him, and he made one back, and we went on like this maybe three or four more times before he lost interest and walked away.

It's one of the most vivid memories of my childhood and a huge part of why I think zoos - good zoos - are so valuable.

Farewell, Kakinga, may your fruit always be ripe, and the jungle endless.

[JiriHrdina]

Yeah this is sad. I've been going to see this guy nearly my whole damn life. One of my favorite animals to sit and watch for a while. RIP.

[Mccree]

What does the Zoo do when something like this happens? Is there a funeral? I too have visited the zoo and the gorilla's are my favorite part. Hopefully some tribute is done.

[CroFlames]

Hopefully they rename the gorilla enclosure after him or some type of tribute.

[bizaro86]

How does that work for the family dynamics of the Gorillas?

[habernac]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

How does that work for the family dynamics of the Gorillas?

They're going to get a new silverback, but it will take time

http://www.660news.com/2016/05/16/ca...oop-and-staff/

[Zevo]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Hopefully they rename the gorilla enclosure after him or some type of tribute.

Forever a Zoo Animal

[FLAME ENVY]

Originally Posted by Mccree

What does the Zoo do when something like this happens? Is there a funeral? I too have visited the zoo and the gorilla's are my favorite part. Hopefully some tribute is done.

The Phoenix Zoo lost their 52 year old Bornean Orangutan 'Duchess' in 2012 who was their matriarch and had been in Phoenix since 1962. Thousands turned out for her service which certainly owes to the impact she had on many human lives. The new Orangutan habitat (which is pretty darn nice) at the Phoenix Zoo is also dedicated to her legacy.

Kakinga was a cool dude and many Calgarians have known him for a good part of their lives if they visited the Zoo even infrequently. He certainly deserves a meaningful farewell and I hope that happens. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for Zoo staff who have been associated with him almost every day for many years.

[Robotic]

I got to be a zoo keeper for a day a few years ago, and looked after the Gorillas. When we first saw the gorillas in the back room we were advised not to look the animals in the eyes, or show our teeth, as its a sign of aggression. Once King saw us he charged us and stopped. There was bars between the Gorillas and us, so there was no real threat. But it was a powerful experience I'll never forget.

King being the silverback that he was, made sure that everyone was looked after. He was the first to enter, and last to leave. Watched every move I made, as I got to poured smoothies into each gorillas mouth and gave them fruit to snack on.

Its a memory I'll always cherish. RIP

[Regulator75]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...ults-1.3942842

Despite an "exhaustive investigation," the Calgary Zoo says it still doesn't know why seven penguins drowned last month.

Seven Humboldt penguins were found dead at the back of the Penguin Plunge exhibit at the Calgary Zoo on Dec. 8. The animals drowned in a back holding area of the popular Penguin Plunge exhibit.

In a release issued Thursday morning, the zoo said there is "no conclusive evidence" as to what led to the drownings.

[Drummer]

No cameras in the area where this happened? Odd.

[sec304]

Originally Posted by Drummer

No cameras in the area where this happened? Odd.

I bet there will be now!