Establishment of a mixed species exhibit consisting of gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and colobus monkeys, (Colobus guereza) (1990)

Shumaker, R. W.

Abstract

In an effort to improve the environments for both the colobus [family of three] and one of the lone male gorillas, we began the process of establishing the four individuals into one exhibit. ... There was no interaction observed between the animals during the introduction period. ... It should also be noted that during the past four years, the trio of colobus have been housed with four different gorillas, including an adult male and female at the same time. All of the combinations have worked equally well, and no aggressive or agonistic interactions have ever been observed between the species. Indeed, little interaction of any kind has been noted but the colobus now live in a physical environment which is much more suited to their biology and locomotion patterns and the gorillas live in an environment that is more complex.