It has been an eventful year for our Calgary Western lowland gorilla troop- full of highs and lows for our keepers and our zoo family.
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Gorilla Update- the troop adjusts to new changes
Western Lowland Gorillas
NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK – SHANNON COLLARD
It’s National Zoo Keeper Week and we’re sharing the love! To recognize the dedication and hard work of our amazing zookeepers, we are posting an interview of a keeper each day this week- and this year there’s video! Zookeeper Shannon goes ape for all things gorilla, as their intelligence is both a challenge and a thrill when caring for the species.
Meet the zookeeper: Shannon Collard
Gorilla Update- Baby has a name (and more)
Lead photo credit: Shannon Collard
A lot has happened recently at the Calgary Zoo- so it’s time for a gorilla update!
It’s been an eventful few months for our gorilla troop. We welcomed new life, with the first gorilla baby born in eight years, and said goodbye to a long-term leader, as silverback Kakinga passed away of age-related heart complications. Older female Zuri required an emergency surgery to treat a severe abdominal infection.
Passing of a Patriarch
We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.
Incoming…preparing for a new gorilla in the group!
When people have children, new moms and dads rely on classes, experience of others and the numerous how-to books made available. Welcoming a new gorilla baby to the zoo is much the same thing when there is no other ‘mom’ that can lend her know-how. Getting ready is is hard work!
Kioja the gorilla is pregnant!
Watching this video would be an ultrasound decision…
The entire zoo team is thrilled, and this mama-to-be is receiving constant care. But when is she due?
What to do at the zoo…on a long weekend?
It’s the August long weekend, and you’re looking for something fun to do with the family. Or maybe you’re looking to have a great day out with friends. Whatever you have in mind, the zoo has something for you to make that summer day extra memorable! Here are some suggestions to help you plan your visit.
Plan Something WILD for Your Child’s Birthday
When Mateo Lobo-Worger turned six, he had 16 buddies, a few gorillas, snakes and monkeys at his birthday party.
Well, not exactly, but that’s how Mateo tells it.
‘Great’ Apes
As a child, zookeeper Shannon Collard was raised on the exotic adventures of Diane Fossey, Jane Goodall and Biruté Galdikas.
“It’s one thing to have heroes as a little girl, but it’s quite another to be lucky enough to grow that interest into a full-time job working with primates,” says the native Calgarian, who works with the Calgary Zoo’s eastern black and white colobus monkeys and western lowland gorillas.
