The five gorillas who call Mogo Zoo home are celebrating 12 months since they made the journey to the South Coast and the family have made themselves firm crowd favourites with zoo-goers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 210-kilogram silverback Kibabu with two lady friends Mouila and Kriba and their two offspring, Mahali and Kipenzi, travelled from Taronga Zoo to join the private park in August 2013.
The arrival of the gorillas came with great fanfare last year when they made their way in specially designed fortified transport crates in a convoy from Sydney.
Mogo Zoo manager Scott Stuart said they have bonded well with their keepers and settled in to their South Coast home.
“The family group of gorillas has settled in exceptionally well and Kibabu, in particular is far more relaxed and fitter than he has ever been,” Mr Stuart said.
“He is an exceptional gorilla in charge of his group and is very laid back with them.
“He is a delight to watch when playing with his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Kipenzi.”
Kipenzi has become a lot more independent since arriving at the zoo and enjoys playing rough games with her dad.
Before his time at Mogo, Kibabu’s contribution to breeding programs was an impressive 14 offspring, all of whom continue to play an integral role in zoos around the world into the future.
Mr Stuart said the personalities of all the gorillas had been wonderful to watch and each had their own unique attitude.
“Female Mouila is a greedy one who loves her food, her life revolves around the next meal,” he said.
“Her son Mahlai has turned into a mischievous adolescent male who gives dad a tough time and, like all youngsters, loves to pester the family while they are relaxing in the sunshine.
“Kiba is relaxing a bit more now her daughter is growing up and not so dependent on her.”
Last year the zoo won global recognition when they were awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award.
Mr Stuart said the gorillas had made a huge contribution to the zoo’s recent success and increased numbers of visitors to the area.
“They are a valuable addition to our collection and still attract the crowds,” Mr Stuart said.
“They also have a Sydney-based fan club who visit especially to check on their progress and we also receive emails to check on how they are going.”
