Keeper Stories – Tuesday, February 28

I think one of my very favorite things about working with animals is the ability to work with individuals throughout all stages of life. Luckily for me, the gorilla area has individuals from 5 months old to 57 years in age, so all life stages are represented! Though each age group is fun to work with, my favorite area has to be the kids’ group in Taz’s family. We currently have five little ones in the family group, ranging from 5 months to 6 years in age.

Henry, who is 6 years old, has to be the most rambunctious member of the group. He is ALWAYS in the mood to play and goof around with his siblings. Henry also has a special bond with his dad, Taz. Taz usually doesn’t interact with the babies too much, but he really enjoys playing with Henry! It is so much fun to watch the two of them play, especially since there is such a huge difference in their size. When Henry isn’t harassing his dad, he can often be seen playing with Merry, his 5-year-old sister. He and Merry are pretty close in size, and she tolerates his energetic attitude more than the younger individuals. Andi and Anaka are both 3 years old. These two rascals can often be seen wrestling around with one another out in their habitat. Fun fact: Andi is 5 months older than Anaka, but Anaka is the larger of the two. Even though Andi is smaller than Anaka, Anaka insists that Andi carries her! Mijadala, the youngest of the kids at 5 months, is becoming a climbing master! She spends her afternoons climbing up as far as Kudzoo will let her. Now that she is exploring areas on her own, the other kids are interested in picking her up and trying to hold her!

These kids are entertaining to be around and so much fun to watch. There is never a dull moment working with animals. There is always something to learn and observe when you are around so many age groups and so many personalities.
Gabby Bernard
Keeper I, Primates