Just arrived at at Werribee Open Range Zoo! Three Western Lowland Gorillas have moved into their new home - a 6,000 square metre spectacular island home.
Silverback Motaba and his two youngest sons, Yakini and Ganyeka, are enjoying their bachelor pad, complete with all mod cons for gorillas and visitors!
Motaba
Motaba is the boys' father. He is a rather serious character, and takes his role as group leader very seriously. This role is that of a peace keeper and protector, so he sorts out any disagreements in the group. He is very alert to any potential dangers, making sure that he and his boys remain safe. He has a good relationship with both of his boys, but is particularly fond of Ganyeka, a relationship that seemed to blossom when Ganyeka was just a little guy and he used to constantly try and get his father to play with him, unlike his siblings who were intimidated by Motaba and therefore kept their distance from him. He now likes to play with the boys relatively often, chasing and wrestling with them. He gets excited in the rain, running and 'displaying'. Maybe it reminds him of growing up in the Channel Islands! He dislikes the vets or anyone resembling one, and because of his role of protector, he is very untrusting. So it takes a long time and a lot of effort to build a good relationship with him.One of his favourite past times is eating, particularly dried fruit and lettuces.
Yakini
Yakini is a bit of a quiet achiever. He gives his dad a wide berth but will take any opportunity to assert his dominance over his little brother when Motaba is not around. He observes situations and is a bit of a political thinker. Over the last few months he has really started to fill out and, at 112kg, he is beginning to look more like an adult. He spends a lot of time wrestling and laughing with his little brother. He takes a little while to learn new things but is very excited about it when he does.
Ganyeka
Ganyeka is quite a character. He is cheeky and very intelligent. He is the one that will work out puzzles and make tools from sticks. He loves to learn new things and doesn`t give up too easily. He has no problem acting the fool, and when he`s excited he likes to spin on his back and shake his head laughing. He also often instigates play with the other two by throwing straw at them, or jumping up and down in front of them until they chase him. He is particularly fond of one of our keepers, Jason, and will play with him very energetically.
