Keeper Stories – Thursday, December 15

Ho Ho Ho! Happy Holidays, readers! It’s been a great year here at Zoo Atlanta, especially in the Primate Department. We’ve had so many things happen this year, and I thought I’d share a few great moments.

First of all, since my last blog, I’ve been promoted to full-time! Yay! Now you guys get to see me around the Zoo a little bit more, so be sure to stop by and say hello! I’ve had such a great year in the Primate Department getting to know all of our animals and staff. One of my favorite memories is the story of my fellow Keeper Gabby and how she attempted to demonstrate what a gorilla sounds like during one of our Keeper Talks. If you were there and got that on camera, please forward it to me! One of my favorite animal memories is getting to see Merry Leigh carry her baby sister for the first time. It was the most precious thing I have ever seen!

We’ve had lots of babies this past year! I think I might die from all of the cuteness going around in the Primate Department. First, we had the addition of Keju, our sweet baby Bornean orangutan. She has taken well to her new orangutan family and is starting to climb the ropes like one too!

Our two colobus babies, Orlando and Kito, who I think are the cutest, are doing well and both now have their adult coloring in. See if you can tell them apart in their habitat; even I have a hard time sometimes! And Gus, the Schimidt’s guenon baby, is finally running around with his mischievous older brother, Kibali. Here’s to hoping that they don’t get into more trouble in 2017!

Last but not least we’ve had the addition of our baby gorilla! She is the granddaughter of the great Willie B. and is already living up to his legacy! She’s probably the prettiest gorilla baby I’ve ever seen and I cannot wait to see her take her first steps soon. Mama Kudzoo is doing such a great job with taking of her!

We’ve had such a busy year here at Zoo Atlanta, especially in the Primate Department. I’m so thankful for everything that 2016 has brought and taught us. I hope your year has been filled with gorilla hoots and lemur calls just like mine has. We will see you all in 2017!
Mari Arbir
Keeper I, Primates