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The Great Apes
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Credits to Gorilla Doctors.
Sabyinyo group. Following reports that juvenile Ubusabane was exhibiting signs of lethargy, Dr. Gaspard trekked into Volcanoes National Park Rwanda to assess his health, along with the health of the rest of the group. Ubusabane's overall health signs were improved from reports two days earlier. His condition remains undiagnosed, but it is suspected to be associated with some type of gastrointestinal disorder. Our veterinary teams will continue to closely monitor Ubusabane and the rest of the group--his stool will be collected and analyzed for further information. Silverback Gihishamwotsi.  *This image is copyright of its original author Icyemezo  *This image is copyright of its original author Sabyinyo group  *This image is copyright of its original author Ganza  *This image is copyright of its original author Silverback Gihishamwotsi  *This image is copyright of its original author Sabyinyo group  *This image is copyright of its original author Silverback Guhonda  *This image is copyright of its original author Karema carrying her infant  *This image is copyright of its original author Karema's infant with the drying nose lesions  *This image is copyright of its original author Ubusabane feeding  *This image is copyright of its original author
Credits to Gorilla Doctors.
Dr. Martin performed a routine health check on Bonane group in Kahuzi-Biega National Park today. He observed 6 out of the 7 members of the group Silverback Bonane in the trees  *This image is copyright of its original author Mukono & her baby  *This image is copyright of its original author Iragi  *This image is copyright of its original author Mukono (can you spot her baby watching Dr. Martin?)  *This image is copyright of its original author Silverback Bonane  *This image is copyright of its original author
Credits to Dian Fosey Gorilla Fund.
Mountain gorilla population still increasing: Census results released: Intensive protection helps this critically endangered species! According to results just released, the mountain gorilla population living in the Virunga mountains has grown— from 480 in 2010 to 604 as of June 2016! Combined with a separate mountain gorilla population living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, this brings the number of mountain gorillas to more than 1,000 individuals. This reconfirms the mountain gorilla’s status as the only wild ape population whose numbers are known to be increasing, and research shows the increase is due to the type of intensive daily protection provided by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the park authorities of Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board), Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorillas Akariza and Ishyaka  *This image is copyright of its original author “Today’s announcement represents a huge success for conservation at a time when such success stories are increasingly rare. All those working to protect mountain gorillas — the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo; conservation organizations; and local communities — have a lot to be proud of,” says Dr. Tara Stoinski, President and CEO/Chief Scientific Officer of the Fossey Fund. Research has shown that the consistent increase in the mountain gorilla population is a result of the intensive daily protection provided by the national park authorities of the respective countries and conservation organizations, like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. However, due to small numbers and the high level of threats, which include limited habitat, snares set for other animals, disease, and climate change, continued protection of the mountain gorilla population is crucial and must continue, says Dr. Stoinski. Felix Ndagijimana, director of Rwanda programs and Karisoke Research Center  *This image is copyright of its original author “The success that we see in gorilla conservation is in large part due to the high level of collaboration among the different stakeholders,” says Felix Ndagijimana, the Fossey Fund’s director of Rwanda programs and Karisoke Research Center. “We are so pleased to have played a part in the census, which was led by the governments of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo, and involved many conservation partners like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.” The importance of conducting a census The current census represents the ninth population count of the Virunga mountain gorilla population since the early 1970s. After more than a decade of documented decline, the Virunga mountain gorilla population reached a low of 242 individuals in 1981. The censuses conducted since that time show a consistent increase in the population to the 604 figure found today. “The mountain gorilla census is a great example of why continued research is essential to long-term conservation efforts. These repeated counts provide critical insights into overall population trends, confirm that intensive protection efforts are working, and provide all partners with a basis for good conservation planning,” says Ndagijimana. In addition, the fact that the gorilla population continues to grow but is confined to a very small area — the Virunga habitat is roughly 451 square kilometers — underscores the need for continued research to understand the longer-term impacts of population growth in relation to their conservation. Today’s news coincides with the Fossey Fund’s building of a new gorilla conservation center in Rwanda. Named the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the multi-acre, purpose- built campus will be the new home of the more than 50-year-old Karisoke Research Center, which is the hub of the Fossey Fund’s protection, research, training and community outreach programs in Rwanda. It will also include traditional and living laboratories; classrooms for training and public education; meeting spaces; a library and computer lab; an interactive public exhibit; and housing for visiting researchers and students. Fossey Fund team collecting fecal samples for DNA analysis  *This image is copyright of its original author Emmanuel Munyembabazi was one of the Fossey Fund trackers who worked in the census. “The census work is a tough job – physically demanding, with 12 hours per day walking through the forest, crossing big ravines and climbing mountains,” he says. “But in addition to the conservation importance, it allowed the team members to increase their technical skills, such as collecting samples and using GPS, as well as to share and learn from staff from the three different countries and backgrounds. It was truly a collaborative effort!” Emmanuel Munyembabazi  *This image is copyright of its original author Fossey Fund Research Manager in Rwanda Dr. Winnie Eckardt, played an important role, as a co-instructor for the census team members. “The census outcome is only as accurate and reliable as the quality of data collected by the teams. Therefore, all teams underwent an intensive five-day training, including theoretical and practical lessons,” says Dr. Eckardt. “Using handheld electronic devices for data entry for the first time in a mountain gorilla census added another challenge for the instructors, but their implementation became a great success,” she adds. Dr. Winnie Eckardt collecting data for the census  *This image is copyright of its original author Important takeaways from the census results: - Mountain gorillas are still critically endangered and face threats due to their limited habitat, intense human encroachment, snares set for other animals, and potential diseases. With only about 1,000 individuals remaining, divided into two separate populations, they remain one of the world’s most-endangered animals. - Since the gorillas are now genetically recorded through the census (via fecal samples), the Fossey Fund was able to locate individual gorillas that we started observing at birth but later transferred to groups outside of the Karisoke area. In total, 13 individuals were identified — some had left our groups as long ago as 12 years ago. Several were the daughters of famous silverbacks Titus and Cantsbee, meaning that their genetics are now spreading further in the population. “We are thrilled to learn the whereabouts of these gorillas we knew so well, and to see that they are still thriving,” says Ndagijimana. - Because the mountain gorillas live in forests surrounded by some of Africa’s highest human population densities, conservation work must involve local communities. The Fossey Fund has developed community programs aimed at education, livelihoods, and increasing access to basic needs like water and food security. “Our data shows that snares continue to rise, however,” says Dr. Stoinski, “so we are re-evaluating our community work and investing in increasing programs to reduce poaching.” - While the mountain gorilla increase is exciting, it is important to remember that other types of gorillas aren’t faring as well. Grauer’s gorillas in nearby Congo are rapidly declining — an estimated 77 percent disappeared in only the last 20 years — and are considered to be one of the 25 most-endangered primates in the world. “Given that during the time Dian Fossey worked with the gorillas it was thought they would go extinct by the year 2000, this continued growth, based on the work she started, demonstrates that intensive conservation works,” says Dr. Stoinski. “It also reveals the significant financial and time investment needed for conservation to happen — the mountain gorilla story clearly shows that we must be in it for the long haul and devote many more resources than are often available for conservation if we want charismatic species like gorillas, rhinos, elephants, and tigers to survive.” “To see that the mountain gorilla population continues to grow is rewarding and at the Fossey Fund it gives us the motivation to do even more towards ensuring that this success is sustainable,” adds Ndagijimana. The current census of the Virunga mountain gorillas does not include a separate population of mountain gorillas living in Uganda’s Bwindi forest. A census of those gorillas in 2011 showed approximately 400 gorillas and a new census is currently underway there. Footnote: The gap between the completion of the census and announcement of the results is due to the time required to conduct the genetic analysis, which was necessary to provide the most accurate results.  *This image is copyright of its original author The Virunga Massif mountain gorilla census was conducted by the Protected Area Authorities in the DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda (l’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, the Rwanda Development Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority) under the transboundary framework of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration. The census was supported by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (a coalition of Fauna & Flora International and WWF), Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Gorilla Doctors, and North Carolina Zoo. The census was funded by Fauna & Flora International, WWF, and Partners in Conservation at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Additional financial support to the census science committee provided by Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe.
Credits to Gorilla Doctors.
Dr. Martin reports on a recent health check on Bonane group in Kahuzi-Biega National Park: It appears this group has been joined by an unhabituated female (they suspect she is unhabituated because she avoids human presence). The group is in good health and Dr. Martin managed to snap some great photos of lead silverback Bonane!  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author The new female following silverback Bonane  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
Credits to Gorilla Doctors.
Stitches for Kalembezi in Uganda:  *This image is copyright of its original author On July 10, trackers in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) spotted blackback Kalembezi of Rushegura group with serious facial injuries. His wounds appeared to be painful, as his movements were slow. Bwindi trackers suspected the injuries were the result of a fight Kalembezi had with an unhabituated gorilla group ranging nearby. Our Gorilla Doctors team in Uganda, Drs. Fred and Ricky, trekked into Bwindi the next day, and performed a full chemical immobilization of Kalembezi to clean and suture a severe laceration of his upper lip, extending up onto his cheek, and to treat him with pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent infection. Blackback Kalembezi immediately after Gorilla Doctors sutured his mouth  *This image is copyright of its original author The following Monday, July 16, Dr. Ricky checked up on Kalembezi: he observed that most stitches were still intact, helping the wounds to stay closed and heal quickly. Despite the severity of his injuries, Kalembezi was recovering well: his body condition was good, he was feeding normally and he is moving with the rest of his family. To make sure that his wounds continue to heal well, Dr. Ricky administered another dose of antibiotics by dart. A few days later, late last week, Dr. Ricky returned to check on Kalembezi, and all of his sutures were gone! The wound was partially open again, but was clean and showing signs of healing. Most importantly, Kalembezi was feeding and behaving normally. Bwindi trackers will continue to monitor Kalembezi’s recovery process; and Gorilla Doctors will consider another antibiotic treatment if deemed necessary. L-R: Blackback Kalembezi in January 2017 prior to his injury; Kalembezi after Gorilla Doctors sutured his wound in July 2018  *This image is copyright of its original author Kalembezi’s case illustrates how, despite our veterinarians’ excellent work and best intentions, gorillas are wild, intelligent and powerful animals: we cannot always guarantee that they will be the best patients! Nevertheless, Kalembezi will likely heal up just fine, perhaps with a bit of a “battle” scar on his lip, but most importantly, no infection affecting his quality of life.   *This image is copyright of its original author “Laid Back” by @thomasdmangelsen :‘For most of my adult life I’ve known and admired Jane Goodall and her late husband Hugo van Lawick’s work in National Geographic magazines, films, and books they have done. I have always dreamed of going to what is now called Gombe National Park, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, in Tanzania, where Jane and Hugo did much of their studies of chimpanzees. Jane went there as a young woman of 26, in 1960, to study and do research on chimpanzees. Now in it’s 58th year, it’s the longest research study of wildlife in the world. • Although Jane and I have been good friends for nearly twenty years, this past June was the first time I was able to go with her to Gombe, where it all began. It was and will remain one of the most memorable times of my life. Walking in her “footsteps” and experiencing some of Jane’s favorite places like the “Peak”, the “Waterfall,” and of course observing and photographing my first chimps, many of whom are descendants of those Jane studied and knew so well, was simply magical. • Going to Gombe gave me an even greater appreciation for Jane’s fortitude, passion, respect, and the sacrifices she made then and continues to make today, not only to save chimps and all wildlife and wild places, but to better understand ourselves, and what we must do to preserve our tiny planet as we know it. Thank you Jane! • “Laid Back” is one of three new Limited Edition prints of chimpanzees debuting at tomorrow’s artist reception at the Jackson Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery. If you’re in the area, I hope to see you there! @safarious 
Huge male orangutans
by David Lawson http://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/endan...rangutans/  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author  *This image is copyright of its original author
Credits to Manuel Graf - Naturepics Photography.
The true King of the Jungle... Bweza, dominant Silverback Gorilla of the Nshongi group. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a unique place and the hike to the Gorillas is really special by itself.  *This image is copyright of its original author
Credits to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Dominant silverback Pato displays his social bond with female Kurudi by grooming her. You'll notice infant Macibiri tries to interfere to get their attention, but the look Pato gives back is priceless. When someone doesn't understand the allure Gorillas have, this is what i'd use to explain them. Adult males can be rough when there's need to, but what I love the most about them is seeing that 150 kg mouintain of hair use just his eyes, just one look, to give a perfectly clear command, and be obeyed. 
10-13-2018, 11:49 PM
( This post was last modified: 10-13-2018, 11:52 PM by Shadow
Edit Reason: typos
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(01-09-2018, 04:31 PM)brotherbear Wrote: I grew up during the '50s and 60s when the bull gorilla was still a monster. We saw gorilla's everywhere. On the cover of comic books. On TV dramas. On jungle movies, horror movies, and comedies. The mighty gorilla was thought to be as fierce as a lion and as strong as a grizzly - a real man-killing monster. It was even thought that native women were often taken by these big apes and carried off into the jungle. Oh yes! I loved gorillas! I once tried to find out if there is some happening, where gorilla would have shown some extraordinary strength, but I haven´t found any video footage or photo proving something astonishing. For sure it is a strong one, but still it is also "only" 150-220 kg in wildlife. I have seen bears breaking thicker trees than gorillas. Once was a video about a gorilla breaking bamboo with one hand etc. But then gorilla grabbed bamboo with one hand and used body weight to break it. Same thing everytime, when some footage has been claimed to prove something extraordinary. My personal opinion is, that too many King Kong movies in short time make many people to think too much. I know, that there are many theories, but still facts are cold. For sure strong, but I don´t think, that it is significantly stronger than any other animal same size when looking overall strength. I can be wrong, but so far I haven´t seen anything so special in reality. It would be nice to know for sure :) 
As for breaking the large stalk of bamboo, no, the great ape held it as he had watched the man do, in both hands, and easily snapped it in half. A gorilla is much stronger than any man of equal height. But just how strong is left unknown.
I find that people are in two classes when talking about the gorilla. On the one side are those who grew up with the B-movie monster gorilla and the other side who sees ONLY the tender-hearted vegetarian who would be completely helpless in a fight. I stand in the middle here. I believe that after a million years or so, the leopard has learned that a bull gorilla is no joke. On the other hand, if someone were to release tigers into the African Congo, the gorilla would have a serious problem. (10-14-2018, 12:21 AM)brotherbear Wrote: As for breaking the large stalk of bamboo, no, the great ape held it as he had watched the man do, in both hands, and easily snapped it in half. A gorilla is much stronger than any man of equal height. But just how strong is left unknown. Have you ever seen gorilla do it? As far as I know gorillas bite it first and then snap when it is weakened. I have never seen in any video where gorilla just snaps bamboo with bare hands. Also I haven´t read anyone to see it, but I have read, that they do it biting it first, not just snapping it. I simply don´t know if they are able to do it, but I haven´t seen any researcher to verify such thing to happen or seen anyone telling actually seen that. Many times people tend to exaggerate when they are talking about animals they like. I also think, that stronger tahn humans, but I don´t think, that stronger than some other animal same size. At least I have never seen any indication for some "superstrength". And since you mentioned leopards, it is no secret, that gorillas are afraid of leopards, but that is not about strength, a different story totally of course. "Man the Hunted: Primates, Predators, and Human Evolution" for instance is a good book, if you are interested about that subject. My point is not to say, that gorillas wouldn´t be strong, I just haven´t seen any actual proof about something so extraordinary as some people tend to believe. I am interested too if there is some information. But of course I understand, that it is far more important for researchers to focus conservation of them, not to waste time to basically nonsense, when thinking about gorilla situation.
Have you ever seen gorilla do it?
YES. How many ways can I tell this? There was a kind of documentary on TV, some years back. First the man breaks ( with some difficulty ) a stick of bamboo. To the best of my memory, probably not much bigger around than a human finger. Then the gorilla ( in his cage ) broke a big stick of bamboo about the size of a big man's arm and seemed to do so easily. Personally, I wasn't surprised. But, that tv program cannot be found and no one has ever really attempted to test their strength. So its pointless to go around in circles. But consider this, if they're not very strong, why then are these big normally slow-moving herbivores not the leopard's favorite prey in the Congo? A bull gorilla would not be difficult to catch. |
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