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Buy the Animals Lunch” Campaign to Run Through June
 Buffalo, NY– Help show your support for the animals at the Buffalo Zoo by buying them lunch!
During the month of June, while at the Zoo, you can add $1 to your gift, food or membership purchases at the Zoo. All proceeds will benefit the Adopt an Animal program and go toward the purchase of food for the Zoo’s animal residents.
Visitors can “buy the animals lunch” at the Zootique Gift Shop, Beastro concession stand or the Membership Satellite Office which is located at the main gate on Parkside Ave. Those who support this campaign will receive an “I Helped Buy the Animals Lunch” heart-shaped card. After filling the card out with your name, you may opt to keep the card or have it displayed at the Zoo. 
With an annual grocery bill of more than $250,000, the Zoos’ Adopt an Animal program raises the funds needed to feed the 1,000 animal residents. In addition to the “Buy the Animals Lunch” campaign in June, animal adoptions are available year-round. Several categories with corresponding benefits are offered. Choose your own favorite animal to support or purchase a gift adoption to help make a difference!
Buffalo Zoo’s Newly-Expanded Animal Hospital Opens
 Buffalo, NY—During a reception on May 21, Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, the Board of Directors of the Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc., and a number of donors and local veterinarians celebrated the official opening of the Zoo’s newly-expanded animal hospital.
The Buffalo Zoo’s Frank E. McClelland, Sr. Veterinary Hospital was built in 1967 and, at the time, was considered to be one of the finest veterinary facilities in the country. In 2007, the Buffalo Zoo announced its plans to expand the Hospital since it did not meet the recently-updated standards developed by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV).
To maintain its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Buffalo Zoo was required to increase the hospital’s quarantine space and add an aseptic surgical suite, as well as an air handling system to reduce the spread of infectious disease. The renovations, which cost approximately $1.5 million, expanded the Hospital by 2,300 square feet. In addition to doubling the size of the Hospital’s laboratory facilities, the renovations also tripled the amount of available quarantine space. Separate areas for animal preparation, surgeon’s scrub and post-operative recovery have also been established.
To help raise money for this project, the Western New York Veterinary Medical Association and the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society collaborated on the “Show Us YOUR Stripes!” campaign. Many of the area practices, consisting of approximately 250 veterinarians in Western New York, participated in a variety of ways, including encouraging their clients to donate to the campaign at the time of check-out, matching their clients’ gifts and selling tiger-striped wristbands for $3 each.
In addition to these veterinary practices, the Zoo would also like to extend a special thank you to The Vogt Family Foundation, HSBC Bank USA and the James H. Cummings Foundation for their leadership support of this expansion project.
(PLEASE NOTE: The Veterinary Hospital is not open to the general public. The renovations were completed to ensure the Zoo’s animal residents continue to receive the best possible care.)
Historic Barn to Be Relocated to Buffalo Zoo as Part of New Heritage Farm Children’s Area
 BUFFALO, NY— Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes, and David Stapleton, President of David Homes, helped begin razing a barn that will be relocated to the Buffalo Zoo.
The barn will be incorporated into the Zoo’s new Heritage Farm Children’s Area, scheduled to open later in the year. Dr. Fernandes and Mr. Stapleton helped remove one of the boards on the exterior of the barn to mark the special occasion.
The Heritage Farm Children’s Area will be the first project built as part of Phase II of the Buffalo Zoo’s master plan. This family-friendly exhibit will recreate a historic farm from the mid-1800s with heritage breeds of domestic animals and include an adjacent wetlands/bog and a historic replica of an Erie Canal lock. Through fun, hands-on interaction with live animals, activities, demonstrations and guided investigations, children of all ages will understand the importance of a strong balance between undisturbed wild spaces such as wetlands for wildlife, and modified spaces, including farms and canals, for human existence. The exhibit is designed to help visitors understand the importance of water to wildlife and domestic farm animals, as well as the historic importance of water and the Erie Canal to people as a means of transportation for crops and other goods.
 The 35’ x 45’ barn is being donated to the Buffalo Zoo by David Homes President David Stapleton and his family. The donation was made not only to save this historic structure from being demolished as new properties are built in its place, but also to ensure that the community can learn about the significance of the Erie Canal era.
David Homes has been building custom, quality homes throughout Erie and Niagara Counties for 15 years. As one of Western New York’s top builders, David Homes is consistently designing and constructing the most energy efficient homes, offering their clients the best in comfort and value. They pride themselves on a reputation that is a direct result of positive homeowner experiences, always exercising their core values of Quality, Integrity and Respect. David Homes is a proud member of the community—socially, economically and environmentally. The National Association of Home Builders acknowledged David Homes as building the first certified Green Home in New York State and only the sixth home to be built to such standards in the nation. Always wanting to give back to the community, they support dozens of local charities, athletic teams, community events and much more.
STATE AUTHORITIES HAND ENDANGERED
TURTLES OVER TO ZOO
Turtles to be Held as Evidence in Illegal Animal Trade Case
 Fresh off the success of an in-depth undercover investigation into black market trafficking of reptiles and amphibians, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Police Officers today transferred a pair of illegally-taken endangered Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles to the Buffalo Zoo’s care.
“Illegal trafficking of turtles, snakes and other animals threatens our critical wildlife species and can produce long-term, detrimental effects to our eco-system,” said Region 8 DEC Police Captain Michael Van Durme. “We appreciate the Buffalo Zoo’s willingness to provide a safe home for this pair of endangered turtles, and sincerely thank the zoo’s wildlife experts for their continued assistance over the years with various wildlife identification and seizure issues. We hope that the turtles’ presence at the Zoo will help raise public awareness about the importance of wildlife protection.”
“We commend the DEC and everyone involved in addressing these illegal activities involving wildlife,” said Buffalo Zoo President/CEO Dr. Donna M. Fernandes. “We are proud to accept these endangered animals and ensure that they receive proper care.”
The pair of Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles now in the Buffalo Zoo’s care was seized from an illegal animal trader in the White Plains area. The turtles will be held by the Buffalo Zoo as evidence, with potential permanent placement at the zoo following case closure. Upon arrival at the Zoo, the turtles will be kept in quarantine and monitored by the Zoo’s veterinarian. Once they are deemed healthy and safe enough to be introduced to other animals in the collection, the turtles will then be added to the Zoo’s newest exhibit, M&T Bank Rainforest Falls.
Yellow Spotted Amazon River turtles are federally protected as an endangered species. Biologists consider them to be an “indicator species,” playing an important role in representing the overall health of an ecosystem. There are known to be less than 100 Spotted Amazon River turtles in captivity in North America.
The turtles were seized as part of an extensive undercover investigation by DEC into the poaching, smuggling and illegal sale of protected reptiles and amphibians, which statewide has led to charges against 18 individuals or companies for 14 felonies, 11 misdemeanors and dozens of violations.
The investigation, dubbed "Operation Shellshock," uncovered a lucrative, international black market for poaching and selling native, protected New York species - turtles, rattlesnakes and salamanders. Investigators found thousands of New York turtles being laundered through "middlemen" in other states, then getting shipped overseas for meat and other uses. More than 2,400 individual turtles, snakes and salamanders were involved in the documented crimes, with DEC currently holding nearly 400 live animals in evidence.
For more detailed information on Operation Shellshock including details of the investigation, please visit www.dec.ny.gov/press/52868.html. Anyone suspecting illegal activities regarding reptiles and amphibians is encouraged to contact the DEC TIPP line at 1-800-847-7332 to make an anonymous report.
Praxair, Inc. NAIG Employees Make Generous Donation to
Buffalo Zoo
 BUFFALO, NY— The Buffalo Zoo welcomed a generous donation on April 2, 2009 from Praxair, Inc. NAIG employees, who raised money through their “Wear Green, Give Green, Go Green” campaign.
The Zoo’s newest exhibit, M&T Bank Rainforest Falls provided a beautiful backdrop as Praxair, Inc. North American Industrial Gases (NAIG) Vice President, Elizabeth Casciani presented Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes with a check totaling $655.00.
On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2009, Ms. Casciani invited employees in her division to participate in the campaign. More than 230 employees donated between $1.00 and $10.00 to participate in the project, which encouraged the group to be more “green” and earth-friendly. In turn, the employees were permitted to wear green (or blue) jeans to work that day. Ms. Casciani also provided her employees with a ceramic, and very re-usable, coffee mug and water bottle to eliminate the use of throw away beverage cups.
Because the employees collected more than $600, Ms. Casciani purchased and gave away three Buffalo Zoo family memberships to winners selected at random. The employees’ children and grandchildren were also encouraged to submit drawings in their natural, “green” environment. For each drawing received, Ms. Casciani donated another dollar to the Zoo.
“Our employees were excited about a chance to contribute to the Zoo’s improvement projects and show their support for this wonderful, local attraction,” said Ms. Casciani. “We challenge other companies in the area to do the same.”
“Especially during a time of economic recession, we are so grateful to those individuals, groups and organizations who provide us with such generous donations,” said Dr. Fernandes. “We appreciate the example set by the employees of Praxair, Inc. NAIG to support ‘green’ living, which will benefit our planet and its residents.”
The Buffalo Zoo Encourages WNY Community to Participate
in Earth Hour on March 28
 The Buffalo Zoo is encouraging its staff, as well as the Western New York Community, to join a global effort in support of encouraging world leaders to take action on climate change.
Initiated by Polar Bears International (PBI) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the 2009 Earth Hour project will take place on Saturday, March 28. Everyone is encouraged to turn off their lights from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. local time.
Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Approximately 2.2 million people joined in the effort the first year. One year later, 50 million people in 370 cities and towns across the world switched off their lights. In 2009, the goal is to reach one billion participants in more than 1,000 cities across the globe.
According to Dani Reiss, PBI’s Chairman of the Board, participation is especially critical this year since negotiations for a new climate change treaty will begin in Copenhagen this December. The new treaty will replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
For more information about the 2009 Earth Hour project, please visit www.earthhour.org.
Buffalo Zoo’s New Polar Bear Is Now on Exhibit!
 Nanuq arrived at the Buffalo Zoo on Friday, February 20. His transfer was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help species maintain healthy and stable populations in captivity. Nanuq was born in the wild and rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as an orphaned cub. He was later brought, along with his twin brother, to the Wisconsin facility, where he has lived for the past 21 years. His genes are considered to be very valuable to the captive population. While Nanuq has never sired any cubs, despite being housed with a female at the Henry Vilas Zoo, it is hoped that Nanuq and Anana, the Buffalo Zoo’s eight-year-old female, will be successful at introducing his genes into the U.S. captive population.
The Buffalo Zoo’s polar bear breeding program has been very successful in the past. It was put on hold by the SSP for the last 10 years because of the abundance of the Buffalo Zoo’s offspring in the captive population. Polar bears only breed every three years, and between 1977 and 1997, 11 cubs were produced at the Buffalo facility.
As per standard regulations regarding new animal arrivals, Nanuq has previously been in quarantine. Visitors can now view Nanuq and Anana together in the polar bear exhibit. The Buffalo Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rain or shine.
Buffalo Zoo Welcomes Baby Howler Monkey to Rainforest Falls
 Mochima, a male black howler monkey, was born between the late evening/early morning hours of December 17 and 18, 2008. Mother, Lily, and father, Machado, are both adjusting well to their new roles as being first-time parents. Keepers named the baby after Mochima National Park, which runs along Venezuela’s beautiful northeast Caribbean coastline. Mochima made his debut in M&T Bank Rainforest Falls on March 3rd greeting the area media.
Mochima is the first primate to be born in Rainforest Falls. Other Rainforest Falls species that have been born are capybaras (the world’s largest rodent species) and vampire bats. Visitors can see Mochima in a mixed-species primate habitat with his mother and father, as well as three squirrel monkeys and four brown capuchins.
Black howler monkeys inhabit South American rainforests, ranging through eastern Bolivia, southern Brazil and Paraguay and northern Argentina. The angle of the black howler monkey’s lower jaw enables it to make loud resonant sounds, which can be heard approximately two miles away.
Modeled after the unique habitat within the Amazon basin in Venezuela’s Caniama National Park, the fully enclosed Rainforest Falls exhibit provides the Buffalo Zoo with a signature four-season attraction. This state-of-the art exhibit features a two-story waterfall, as well as ramps and overlooks to enable visitors to encounter a remarkable collection of species. The 18,000 square foot complex is the centerpiece of the Zoo’s $75 million reconstruction plan and is designed to provide visitors with an unforgettable tropical
Polar Bites 2009 a Huge Success
 Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Zoo and the Pro Zoo Board are proud to announce that Polar Bites 2009, held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, was a huge success as more than $30,000 was raised for the Zoo.
This ever-growing annual event featured food, beer and wine selections from 44 of the area’s finest establishments. Other highlights of the evening included a basket auction, silent auction, animal visits and music provided by Tom Stahl and the Dangerfields. The Zoo wishes to thank Phillips Lytle, LLP, M&T Bank, 97 Rock, Mix 104.1, MyTV, Fox 29 and Buffalo Spree for their generous sponsorship of the event.
Celebrity judges voted for their favorite selections falling under eight different categories:
Winners
Award Vendor Item
Best Beer Great Lakes Brewery Burning River Pale Ale
Best Entrée O’Brien’s Pub & Steakhouse Prime rib w/ gorgonzola cheese
Best Dessert Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts Peanut butter penguin
Most Unusual Fare The Gourmet Store Thai peanut soup
Best Presentation Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts
Best of Show Hyde Park Steak House Tenderloin with truffle mashed potatoes
Best Wine Southern Wine & Spirits Bully Hill Love My Goat Red
Best Specialty Vendor SpaGo of WNY Paraffin Hand Dip with Massage
The following is a list of generous participants:
Vendors
Anthony Road Winery Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts
Bella Day Spa Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center O’Brien’s Pub
Carolina Select Premium Peanuts Perry’s Ice Cream
Catering By Karen Pizza Plant Italian Pub
Coca-Cola Bottling Company Rich Renaissance Catering
Creekview Restaurant Rich’s Dessert Builders
Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars Risa’s Deli & Catering
Fables Café Shanghai Red’s
Flying Bison Brewing Company Shea’s Intermission Lounge
Fulkerson Winery Southern Wine & Spirits
Global Wine & Spirits Spa Go of WNY
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Super Suppers
Hard Rock Café The Gourmet Store
High Falls Brewing Co. The Grill at the Dome
Hyde Park Prime Steak House The Spa & Salon at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel
Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill The Wine Thief
Johnson Estate Winery The Winery at Marjim Manor
Just Pizza Try-It Distributing
Lakewood Vineyards White Springs Farm Winery
Lebro’s Restaurant Wilson Farms
Long Trail Brewing Co.
Mr. Food No Fuss Meals
Celebrity Judges
Mr. Tom Buckham, The Buffalo News
Mr. Russ Burton, WGRF-FM/97 Rock
Ms. Elizabeth Carey, Business First
Mr. Jim Fink, Business First
Ms. Laura Gray, WKBW-TV/Channel 7
Ms. Melissa Holmes, WIVB-TV/Channel 4
Ms. Kyla Igoe, WKBW-TV/Channel 7
Ms. Chris Klein, WGRF-FM/97 Rock
Mr. Bill Lacy, WHTT-FM/Mix 104.1
Mr. Rob Lederman, WGRF-FM/97 Rock
Ms. Heather Ly, WGRZ-TV/Channel 2
Mr. Nick Magnini, WNYO and WUTV
Ms. Mary Beth Wrobel, WIVB-TV/Channel 4
Polar Bear From Henry Vilas Zoo in Wisconsin Welcomed Into Buffalo Zoo Family
Buffalo, NY—The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to welcome Nanuq, a 21-year-old polar bear, who arrived from the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin late Friday night. Zoo officials report that Nanuq is adjusting well to his new surroundings.
The transfer was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is designed to help species maintain healthy and stable populations in captivity. Nanuq was born in the wild and rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as an orphaned cub. He was later brought, along with his twin brother, to the Wisconsin facility, where he has lived for the past 21 years. His genes are considered to be very valuable to the captive population. While Nanuq has never sired any cubs, despite being housed with a female at the Henry Vilas Zoo, it is hoped that Nanuq and Anana, the Buffalo Zoo’s eight-year-old female, will be successful at introducing his genes into the U.S. captive population.
The decision to transfer Nanuq was made after the Buffalo Zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Kurt Volle, traveled to the Henry Vilas Zoo to examine him. Since Nanuq is an older bear (the average age at death is 18), Zoo officials wanted to ensure that he was in good health for the transfer.
A professional animal transporter moved Nanuq to Buffalo in a truck. Staff from the Buffalo Zoo and Henry Vilas Zoo worked together to help load him safely. The Buffalo Zoo’s veterinarian and primary polar bear keeper accompanied the truck, which made regular stops during the 12-hour drive to monitor his condition.
Eighteen months ago, the Buffalo Zoo fell under scrutiny because four polar bears housed at the Zoo died of natural causes over a span of 16 months. The causes of death were verified by necropsies and independent pathology reports from a lab in Washington state.
Following a thorough investigation by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Investigative and Enforcement Services, the Zoo was cleared of any wrongdoing.
“We are pleased that Nanuq’s transfer went smoothly, and we are delighted to soon introduce him to our female, Anana, so they can hopefully help secure their species’ future,” said Buffalo Zoo President/CEO, Dr. Donna M. Fernandes.
The Buffalo Zoo’s polar bear breeding program has been very successful in the past. It was put on hold by the SSP for the last 10 years because of the abundance of the Buffalo Zoo’s offspring in the captive population. Polar bears only breed every three years, and between 1977 and 1997, 11 cubs were produced at the Buffalo facility.
As per standard regulations regarding new animal arrivals, Nanuq is currently in quarantine. Visitors will be able to view him sometime later this year.
Buffalo Zoo’s Registrar Selected To Attend
National Conservation Forum in San Diego
“Its Alive! Petals to Primates” To Explore Preservation of Living Collections
 JANUARY 29, 2009--WASHINGTON, DC--Jean Miller, the Buffalo Zoo’s registrar, has been selected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to attend a national forum, February 19 and 20, 2009, in San Diego, California, entitled “It’s Alive! Petals to Primates: Preservation Challenges of Living Collections.” She is one of more than 50 representatives of small and medium-sized living collection institutions nationwide invited to participate based on their leadership in the profession and in their communities.
The conference program will explore the range of challenges facing America’s smaller institutions housing collections of plants and animals. National conservation leaders, government officials and professionals from zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, nature centers and living history farms will address issues relevant to caring for and sustaining treasured living collections. IMLS, the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries, museums and living collections, will present this event in cooperation with the San Diego Zoo and Heritage Preservation, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving the country’s heritage.
“Living collection institutions—from aquariums to zoos—play a very special role in our communities. We value them as places where we can learn about natural history and science, consider concepts of conservation and sustainability, and experience nature with friends and family,” said IMLS Director Anne-Imelda Radice, Ph.D. “At IMLS, we know that these special museums face unique conservation challenges. We are delighted to offer this opportunity for professionals from these institutions to come together and learn from each other.”
The forum will include sessions on protecting collections from natural disasters, organizing and caring for records and photographs that document their collections, and attracting funding in tough economic times. Douglas G. Myers, CEO/executive director of the Zoological Society of San Diego, will be the keynote speaker.
“It’s Alive!” is part of IMLS’s multi-year, multi-faceted national program, Connecting to Collections: A Call to Action. It is the third of a series of four national forums designed to raise awareness among leaders of small and mid-sized museums and libraries about the importance of collections care and to give them practical information, tools and resources to inspire action nationwide.
The forum will be held at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice at the University of San Diego. It is open to museum, library and archives professionals. The Legler Benbough Foundation, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Chanticleer Foundation are providing support for the forum and participant stipends.
Information is available at: http://www.imls.gov/collections/tour.
Spectacled Bear, Diana, Celebrates 30th Birthday
 Buffalo, NY – It was a special day for Diana, one of the Buffalo Zoo’s spectacled bears, as she celebrated her 30th birthday on January 20, 2009!
Diana delighted in the delicious birthday treats provided by her keepers. In addition to a burlap sack filled with goodies, she enjoyed a sugar-free vanilla cake covered with Cool Whip and topped with her favorite snacks—grapes and peanuts.
Born at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Diana moved to the Buffalo Zoo on May 7, 1980. On January 23, 1991, she had a litter of three cubs, who were eventually sent to the San Antonio Zoo. One of her offspring, Bernard, returned to the Buffalo Zoo last March after spending eight years at ZooWorld in Florida. The Buffalo Zoo also houses spectacled bears, Fernando and Hannah.
Spectacled bears are great tree climbers and are the only bears native to South America. These animals are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, and only 2,500 are estimated to exist in the wild. The Buffalo Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the spectacled bear. The program is designed to help a captive species maintain a healthy and stable population and to provide support in conservation activities, including research, public education, reintroduction and field work.
While the average lifespan of a spectacled bear is 20 years, Diana continues to be in good health. She takes medication for arthritis and receives regular veterinary check-ups. Buffalo Zoo visitors can find the spectacled bears out in the bear exhibits, as well as Vanishing North, periodically throughout the winter months. Since they are native to South America, they are viewed more often during the warmer season.
Buffalo Zoo Saddened By Death of Beloved Lion “Simba”
 Buffalo, NY – Members of the Buffalo Zoo staff are saddened by the loss of Simba (house name “Apollo”), a 19-year-old male African lion, who passed away Friday morning.
Male lions rarely live past 16 years in the wild but can survive longer in captivity. While Simba lived a long, healthy life at the Zoo, he had been receiving medication for age-related osteoarthritis for more than a year. As his health continued to deteriorate, Zoo officials made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal.
“My heart goes out to the keeper staff who raised and cared for him for the past 19 years. He was a majestic animal with a sweet disposition,” said Zoo president Donna M. Fernandes, Ph.D.
Simba was born at the Buffalo Zoo on September 8, 1989 to mother, Nasibu, and father, Mason. To ensure proper development, two keepers hand-reared him. He had been housed with Isiolo, a 19-year-old female, for the past 18 years. One of his favorite pastimes included laying in the sunshine and hiding below the viewing window by the Reptile House and suddenly jumping up to surprise visitors.
Simba was very popular with Zoo personnel and visitors, and he will be greatly missed.
Buffalo Zoo’s “Rich”
a First-Time Father at the San Francisco Zoo
 The Buffalo Zoo is pleased to announce that Rich, a western lowland silverback gorilla who resided at the Buffalo Zoo from March 25, 1987 until December 3, 2004, has fathered a baby boy at the San Francisco Zoo!
Born on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., the baby gorilla is the first to be born at the San Francisco Zoo in a decade. The birth plays a contributing role to the conservation efforts taking place for this critically endangered species through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the fourth successful gorilla birth in North America this year.
 First-time mother, Monifa, who is on breeding loan from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, initially showed text book signs of motherhood. However, as the day progressed, Monifa left the nest and has not returned, leaving the infant by himself. The San Francisco Zoo veterinary and primate teams monitored the infant overnight and at approximately 4:30 a.m. on December 9, they decided to pull the infant from the nest to ensure he received the needed supportive care. The staff continues to move into stages of trying to reunite mom and infant long-term. While in the 1970s, the philosophy was to pull babies and raise them by hand to eliminate any possible risks, standard practice now is to maintain a birthing plan that duplicates, as closely as possible, how the birth would occur in the wild.
The baby is also the first offspring for Rich, who is owned by the Buffalo Zoo but on breeding loan to the San Francisco Zoo. While Rich was a favorite among Buffalo Zoo visitors, gorillas are individuals with distinct personalities, and the females in the gorilla troop never took to him. The decision was made to transfer him to the San Francisco Zoo in 2004 to see if he could help contribute to the future of his species. Once he arrived at the San Francisco Zoo, he was well-received by their female gorillas.
The current gorilla troop at the Buffalo Zoo includes females Becky, Sidney, Lily and Kwizera, as well as silverback, Koga, who arrived from the Memphis Zoo on April 25, 2007.
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