Trunkline Magazine (Louisville Zoo) Trunkline Magazine: December 2017 | Page 4

Building Families and Places to Explore

By Heather Dishon , Communications Coordinator
Have you heard ?
The Louisville Zoo welcomed two new gorillas this season : 35-yearold silverback gorilla Casey and 20-year-old female gorilla Bandia — both from the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans ! The two moves were planned as part of the western lowland gorilla Species Survival Plan : a coordinated effort to manage threatened or endangered species , facilitate healthy and genetically diverse populations in managed care and create a safeguard for animals facing extinction in the vanishing wild .
Gorilla Forest Keeper Michelle Wise traveled to New Orleans in May to meet and learn more about the gorillas before their arrival in Louisville . In June , Casey arrived in Gorilla Forest , and after the standard quarantine period , he began to learn his new surroundings .
The large windows in Gorilla
Forest were one feature that proved challenging for Casey . “ Gorillas are very sensitive creatures ,” said Gorilla Forest Supervisor Jill Katka , “ Many people don ’ t realize that .” Casey didn ’ t seem sure what to think about his visitors being so close at first . However , after a short period , he was patrolling the different areas of Gorilla Forest like a veteran .
Casey ’ s keepers found him easy to love , though a bit like your average toddler — attention seeking and preferring to eat his fruit peeled . But , what would Paki think of him , his first new gorilla family member ? Paki and Casey were introduced — and after a short time , Paki seemed to determine he was an “ a-ok ” ape to have around .
A few months later in October , 20-year-old female gorilla Bandia arrived to join their little family group . Her transition moved a bit faster ; Bandia ’ s behaviors indicated
Silverback Casey
Female gorilla Bandia
4 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Winter 2017