Kinah's New Friends
Posted at 4:05 pm June 22, 2007 by Kecia Spears
Kinah has been in her new home on exhibit in Ituiri Forest for about three weeks now (see Kecia's previous blog, Kinah Meets the Otters). She couldn't be a happier little monkey! Not only does she have her family of Mr. Toad, Dixie, and " mom," Bunzi, she has four adolescents who are all too happy to play with and babysit Kinah! Msafiri, Jaribu, Sitawi, and Ota were all previous residents of this exhibit, and are all now part of Kinah's extended family. Jaribu and Ota, the youngest of the four, have taken the most interest in their new little friend. They are as happy as Kinah to have a new playmate! Ota has even been seen trying to bundle up Kinah and carry her, playing " mom."
Kinah plays endlessly with her new friends until she can barely keep her eyes open any more! At that point, she retreats back to Bunzi, where she curls up in her lap for a nap! Stop by Ituiri Forest and see if you can spot little Kinah among all her friends!
Kecia Spears is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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June 22nd, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Ohhh…that is adorable! So heartwarming to see baby Kinah, despite her initial struggles, to grow happy and strong! So glad this big family is living life well and loving it all! Thanks for all the care you take to ensure their wellbeing.
June 25th, 2007 at 6:12 am
I am so happy for Kinah after such a rough start in her life! What a beautiful testament to the dedicated caring staff there. Please keep up the GREAT work.
June 25th, 2007 at 7:00 am
How wonderful it is to see such an introduction work out as well as could possibly be hoped. It sounds like everyone is totally happy and thriving. Is that Bunzi carrying Kinah, or one of her new adolescent friends? It is so great that Kinah and Bunzi maintained their " Mom-baby" relationship. It is great practice for Bunzi, and so nuturing and " safe" for Kinah. I can just picture Kinah running back to Bunzi for comfort to get a much needed nap, and can see Bunzi grooming and hugging Kinah to make her secure. How is Bunzi likely to react to Kinah when she has a baby of her own in the next year or so?