Gorilla Dancing in the Water During Enrichment Time

Gorilla Dancing in the Water

Zola, nine-years old, is one of eight Western lowland gorillas currently living at the Calgary Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan. He loves to play in water and keepers regularly give him the opportunity to do so as part of the enrichment activities they plan and vary on a daily basis.

What is Primate Enrichment:

The aim of the enrichment program should not be simply to mimic the natural environment for each western gorilla in detail, but to provide a step-by-step program designed to give the animal variety and choice and to promote a wide range of species-appropriate behaviors. In captivity, all zoo animals, including western gorilla, have been known to exhibit stereotypical behavior, which is repetitive or ritualistic behavior that is thought to be caused ultimately by artificial environments that do not allow animals to satisfy their normal behavioral needs and can actually cause harm to the animals. The United States Department of Agriculture regulations have required zoos to develop enrichment programs since 1991. Subpart D of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations discuss the specifications for nonhuman primates. Animal dealers, exhibitors and research facilities must develop, document, and follow an appropriate plan for environmental enhancement adequate to promote the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates. This plan must be made available to APHIS upon request. The physical environment in the animal’s primary enclosures must be enriched by providing means of expressing non-injurious species-typical activities.

Enrichment can be any number of thing from ropes and hoses between the trees provide opportunities to swing and play acrobatically to coconuts to figure out how to get to the inside. Heavy pieces of leather and rubber tubs provide seating when the ground is a bit wet or cold. Large balls can not only be tossed but also sat or stood upon. Wood wool is sometimes provided for play and nesting. Tree stumps have holes in them where treats can be extracted by the tool-using gorillas. They often select a branch some distance away, modify it and bring it to the treat sites, and modify it again as necessary to fit the holes. In the morning, browse is scattered all over the enclosure so the gorillas move around to feed as they would in the wild.

Sometimes in order to entertain the primates drummers set up outside of the Primate area and will play music while they sing and dance in their enclosure. The enrichment staff has also done this at Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for retired research chimpanzees in Louisiana.

Enrichment is not just for primates – it is an important component of the care of many of your favorite zoo animals. But, enrichment is also expensive and time consuming so if you like what you see at your local zoo, consider making a donation!