Mandara w/ Baraka
Details Baraka ya M'Welu was born to Haloko during the evening of April 11, 1992. Baraka is being reared by Mandara. No one knows exactly what transpired, but when the staff arrived the morning after Baraka's birth, Mandara had both infants. Haloko had given birth previously at the Philadelphia Zoo, but she showed little interest in her offspring, who had to be hand-raised. After watching Mandara with both Kejana an Baraka, Haloko started paying more attention to the older infant, Kejana. It is hoped this experience will lead to more nurturing tendancies in Haloko. To learn more see Gorillas Just Want to Have Fun by Kim Eisler - Washingtonian Magazine.
Species Lowland Gorilla - Gorilla G. Gorilla
Range Zaire River Basin, from coastal Gabon to the Virunga Mts. of Zaire, Rwanda & Uganda.
Habitat Undisturbed rain forests to 3,000 m. (10,000 ft.).
Social Structure Troops of 4 to 30 gorillas; a silver-backed male leads each troop.
Behavior Shy, unaggresive. Builds nests on the ground or in trees up to 18 m. (60 ft.) where they spend the night.
Voice About 16 different vocalizations.
Diet Prefers leaves, shoots & buds.
Lifespan 37 years in zoos.
Status Endangered