As we finish the first phase of our gorilla training, I have noticed an amazing improvement with all ten of the gorillas living here in the San Diego Zoo’s Gorilla Tropics. Each gorilla has mastered a minimum of five behaviors, ranging from an open mouth presentation (so we can look at their teeth and gums) to offering a foot for visual and manual inspection. There is always a physical barrier between keeper and the gorilla: 2-inch (5-centimeter) bars that run along the inside of their bedroom areas. These bars allow minimal contact if one of the gorillas decides he/she wants to play “grab the keeper,” but at the same time allows us to safely have some physical contact for medical procedures or training.

We have two exceptional students: Paul Donn, our 16–year-old male gentle giant, now weighing 409 pounds (185 kilograms); Maka, pictured above, is an 11-year-old rambunctious male weighing in at 240 pounds (109 kilograms). Both Maka and P.D. (short for Paul Donn) have kicked it up a notch and have learned “ear” and “forehead.” Both of these pungent-smelling pupils have mastered ten separate behaviors, averaging about one behavior per week. That is truly exceptional!

Each gorilla has his or her own learning curve. Once they learn the first few basic behaviors independently, interaction and cooperation becomes an individual effort. For some, like our resident breeding male, Memba, and Jessica, going into a small space like the chute is not their favorite thing to do. Initially it was a big deal for them to stay in the chute too long. Slowly they have become desensitized to the idea and every day they get more comfortable being in the chute just a little longer.

On the other hand, “The Chute” is like a second home to P.D. and Maka. They thrive on the attention (and treats!) they get from the keepers. We try to personalize each training diet to cater to individual pallets. The end result is a very polite gorilla and a very happy keeper.

I thought it would be of interest for you gorilla fans if I share each gorilla’s favorite training food items:
· Memba- ripe banana, figs
· Jessica- grapes, ripe banana
· Mandazzi- anything sweet
· Maka- anything sweet
· Alvilla- banana, nectar
· Ndjole- figs, ripe papaya
· Ndjia- grapes, figs, green papaya
· Paul Donn- banana baby food, cantaloupe, strawberries
· Azizi- banana, oranges, grapes
· Imani -banana, figs, grapes

Juan Fernandez is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.

Read Juan’s previous blog, New Troop Members.

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