Personalized Health Care for Gorillas

Your Zoo's dedicated animal keepers provide superb care for the gorillas with a focus on troop dynamics as well as the needs of each individual. With an approach rooted in leading scientific research and voluntary positive reinforcement training, the team is supporting the troop's best health — and inviting them to participate in the process.

Kayembe has been participating in body presentation training

The troop of eight gorillas features a diverse range of ages, personalities, and care priorities. Keepers must be mindful of their social structure, evolving inter-group dynamics, and individual needs and quirks as they interact with the gorillas. It is a major responsibility, but to keeper Brian Price, it is one that is also majorly rewarding. “Through consistency with our voluntary positive reinforcement training program, we build trust and rapport with the gorillas,” he said.

Associate Animal Curator Laura Klutts with Kebi and Kunda during a session in the outdoor habitat

All members of the gorilla troop participate in the training program and complete regular preventative care behaviors to promote their best health. Additionally, they receive personalized care based on their individual needs. Here are a few examples:

• Silverback Mokolo receives regular cardiac health monitoring which includes daily heart rate readings, regular cardiac ultrasounds and EKGs, and blood pressure checks.
• After experiencing loss of mobility in her left hand a few years ago, Fredrika participated in voluntary x-rays and physical therapy exercises.
• During their respective pregnancies, Kebi Moyo and Nneka received abdominal ultrasounds to monitor their progress. Nneka also participated in breast pumping to enable bottle feeding.
• Tusa is insulin-resistant, so she participates in blood glucose readings as well as saliva collection for oral sugar tests.
• The youngsters of the troop are being introduced to basic trained behaviors such as presenting different body parts. They will build on this training as they grow, working toward more complicated behaviors.

SIlverback gorilla Mokolo's heart health is regularly monitored

Through relationship-building and an expert understanding of gorilla health and social dynamics, the Zoo’s animal care team is providing world-class care to each member of the troop. For the adult gorillas, this means thoughtful preventative care and low-stress treatment of existing issues. For youngsters like Kayembe, Kunda, and Jameela, it creates the foundation for their healthiest possible future.