Utilization of surrogates to integrate hand-reared infant gorillas into an age/sex diversified group of conspecifics (1996)

Jendry, C.

Abstract

This report is a chronological account of the introduction process used to integrate a hand-reared male infant gorilla into an established group of conspecifics (3.3). The report includes notes on how the process was used and modified to introduce three other nursery-reared infant gorillas into the same group of conspecifics. ... Social interaction between infants and the silverback were vital to ensure the infants safe integration. ... After bonding, surrogates provided maternal care and protection to the hand-reared infants.