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Primates ~ Mountain Gorilla
Topic Started: Nov 26 2014, 03:36 PM (2,052 Views)
Snoopy
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Mountain Gorilla ~ Gorilla beringei beringei

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General Information

Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Genus: Gorilla
Species: G. beringei

Location and Habitat
Mountain Gorillas are found in two areas of Africa. One is in Central Africa around the Virunga Volcanic Mountains which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). They are also found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is located in Uganda.

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Conservation Status
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Sizes
Weight195kg (430lb) to 100kg (220lb)
Length (average)N/A
Height (average)150cm (59in) to 130cm (51in)


In Zoos

Type of Exhibit: There are know Mountain Gorillas in captivity outside of African rehabilitation centers. If they were in zoos, Mountain Gorilla would require vast amounts of mountainous forest-like terrain. Lush, tree filled enclosure that resembles a rainforest would be best in maintaining these gorillas. There should be various plants and bushes also for cover from the sun and for building nests for naps. A tropical climate is preferred, however, other climates may work also. A large water source is not necessary. In fact, Mountain Gorillas avoid water in the wild whenever possible so there is no need for a river or pond. Enrichment such as toy balls, foods, and other exciting items should constantly be in the enclosure to stimulate these highly intelligent creatures. Due to there intelligence, they may try escaping. The enclosure should be lowered extremely from the viewing area also as if the enclosure were in a pit. This is to keep the gorillas inside and the visitors safe. Glass panels to view the gorillas from the ground may also work in giving guests a close-up view of the gorillas. A night house is also preferred for these gorillas as they need constant supervision and climate control during cold nights.

Temperament: Mountains seem ferocious, but they are actually gentle giants. They are quite shy of humans and will not attack on instinct. However, if provoked by a guest or another gorilla, they will charge and assert dominance. Males have been known to fight other males to the death in the wild to assert rule over a family group. This could easily happen with an ignorant visitor trying to harass the gorilla. As long as eveyone maintains peace, the gorillas' tempers will not flare inside your zoo.

Diet: Mountain Gorillas are foragers. They eat vast amounts of fruits, leaves, stems, and seeds. They will also each insects such as termites or caterpillars.

Social Needs: Mountain Gorillas need companionship! They are highly social and can live in extremely large group. A recommended size to have in your zoo is at least 4. They rely on each other for support and grooming. Mountain Gorillas definitely need companionship.

Reproduction: Females are able to give birth at around the age of 10. Male can mate at around the age of 12 to 15. They are only able to ovulate a couple of days each month so they have low reproduction rates. They usually give both to only a single baby.

Extra Information:
  • Mountain Gorillas are endangered due to poaching, charcoal making, war, disease, and habitat loss.
  • There are only about 880 Mountain Gorillas left in the wild.
  • Mountain Gorillas can be susceptible to pneumonia during the wet seasons.
  • Mountain Gorillas studied in the wild have been seen having a fear of reptiles like chameleons. They also have a fear of water and avoid crossing rivers unless it is proven safe to cross. And only then in desperate times.
  • The fur of a Mountain Gorilla is thicker and longer the fur of any other gorilla because it lives in such a cold, tropical climate.



Exhibit Examples


Extra Pictures


References
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