The area is the largest contiguous cotton-growing region in the world and is heavily dependent on water from the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation. Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University, the sixth-largest college by enrollment in the state.In honor of World Gorilla Day on Friday, September 24, we’re sharing all of the gab about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s beloved gorilla family members – courtesy of their caretakers! The Zoo is home to two troops of Western lowland gorillas – a family troop and a bachelor troop. The bachelor troop consists of three individuals – George, 17, Bouendje (Bo), 15, and Bakari, 15 and the family troop consists of seven gorillas – Finyezi (Fin), 3, Azinza, 3, Ruby, 6, Mikella, 17, Emily, 36, Ndjole, 25, and Togo, 33.Īs you can imagine, with ten gorillas to care for, the Zoo’s primate caretakers are never short of humorous stories to share. We sat down with primate caretaker, Stephanie, to be in the know on the Zoo’s gorilla family: These caretakers have come to know and appreciate each gorilla for every one of their own unique quirks, mannerisms and preferences. ![]() Q: Stephanie! Thanks for sitting down with us to gab about gorillas. Stephanie: “ A little unknown fact is that gorillas actually make laughing vocalizations when playing with one another.” Q: What is something that most individuals wouldn’t know about gorillas? In that time, I’ve been privileged to create a strong bond with the Zoo’s gorilla family.” Stephanie: “ I’ve been a caretaker at the Zoo for eight years. Q: Now, let’s get the gab! What are some unique quirks of the Zoo’s gorilla family? Stephanie: “ The gorillas are full of personality! It’s a lot of fun getting to know their individual quirks. For example, Ndjole always carries her browse (leaves) on her back when foraging throughout her habitat. ![]() Our largest bachelor gorilla, George, appears to “pose” in funny positions quite often. George also enjoys playing chase with his caretakers. Q: Let’s talk about mannerisms and behaviors! What are some funny behaviors of the gorillas? Our youngest gorilla, Fin, likes to cover himself completely in bedding – specifically wood wool – and then playfully jumps out and runs off.” He will run back and forth behind the glass, expecting his caretakers to follow him. ![]() Stephanie: “ Because each gorilla has their own personality, their behaviors and mannerisms vary wildly! Gorillas are highly intelligent, a quality that we are privileged to observe and encourage each day. Let’s start with Togo, the silverback of the family troop! Togo can often be seen playing with the juvenile gorillas in his troop. However, he has different play styles depending on the juvenile. For example, Togo will gently play with and tickle the youngest gorillas, Azinza and Fin, while he’s more likely to roughhouse and chase six-year-old, Rubi. Also, as social media fans observed in a recent video shared on the Zoo’s platforms, Togo seemingly despises the rain.
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