Four new gorillas to join Calgary Zoo troop slowly

CALGARY – The Calgary Zoo’s long-awaited Bronx Four gorillas completed their 90-day quarantine last week, and they’re expected to be introduced to the original troop of four over the next few weeks.

To ensure a safe and friendly transition, the new gorillas — which arrived here from New York’s Bronx Zoo in May –will be moved to a back area of the gorilla rainforest habitat where the original troop can smell and hear them, but not yet see them.

Zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron says after the gorillas adjust to that change, the new foursome will be moved into the habitat, but put behind a mesh, so they can be seen, but not touched by the other gorillas.

Keepers will cautiously watch how Kakinga, the original troop’s alpha male, reacts to the new arrivals.

If Kakinga accepts them, the others in the original four, two females and a baby, are expected to follow suit.

At that time, the new troop will be introduced, one by one, to the rainforest habitat.

"The keepers have said the process could take some time;it all depends on how Kakinga accepts them," Herron said. "But he’s a big boy, and you want to do things very slowly, and make sure there are no injuries."

Herron expects once all eight gorillas are together, visitors will enjoy the gorilla exhibit more than ever.

"The gorillas are so popular. Visitors love them, because they’re so much like humans.

"Even the baby now, she will come up to the window and imitate the kids outside watching her. People get a real kick out of them."

The Bronx Four came to Calgary as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas.

With the Bronx Zoo juggling as many as 28 gorillas earlier this year, and Calgary only having four, Calgary was a natural place for them to be moved, Herron said.

As well this fall at the zoo, the new baby red panda, born nine weeks ago, is expected to make an appearance in the next two weeks.

And the Labour Day long weekend will be the final chance for visitors to see the koala bears before they head back to San Diego.

A "Bon Voyage" party is planned for Aug. 29 and 30, with face-painting, games and giveaways.

eferguson@theherald. canwest.com