The Great Apes

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Gorilla Takes On Chimp At Jacksonville Zoo

By Deanna Fene
First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A gorilla and a chimpanzee are both recovering
after a fight at the Jacksonville Zoo.

The gorillas and the chimps live just across the moat from each
other, which is usually a good barrier, since both fear the water and
neither knows how to swim.

One of the largest gorillas at the zoo, a 24-year-old male named
Quito, either fell into the moat or tried to cross it, and ended up
on the chimps side.

Dr. Nick Kapustin is the Zoo's Veterinarian. He says, "There was an
altercation and we have a chimp with Quito going into his territory
and the two got aggressive with each other."

Chimps are more aggressive, but much smaller. A 150-pound chimp named
Jackson went up against a more than 500-pound gorilla, named Quito,
and the chimp lost.

Kapustin says, "Jackson the chimp sustained some bite wounds and
lacerations and he was treated immediately."

Quito didn't have any physical wounds but apparently went underwater
when he was in the mote, which left him very sick.

Kapustin says, "He likely inhaled water into his lungs. That can
create some respiratory problems and that's what we're dealing with
now."

Both Quiot and Jackson are recovering in their indoor habitats and
both are expected to be okay.

The gorilla exhibit opened back in 1998 and zoo officials says this
is the first time they've ever had any problem of this nature.
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