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GORILLAS AT MELBOURNE ZOO

Melbourne Zoos' Gorilla group began in 1980 when a pair, Buluman and Betsy arrived from Taronga Zoo. Buluman proved to be sterile and so an IVF project was started. This proved successful and and the zoos most famous gorilla, Mzuri was born on June 3 1994; a son of Melbournes second female, Yuska. He is now living at Jersy. Buluman died in 1998 and was replaced as the groups silverback by Motaba. He is the father of all gorilas born at Melbourne, other than Mzuri. Just recently a female born at Melbourne in 1994, Bambuti has been sent to Jersy to start a family there. (see news). Bambuti is the daughter of Motaba and Betsy. The only male gorillas at Melbourne were her father and brothers. The silverback at Jersy will most likely be Mzuri!


MELBOURNE ZOO(4.5.)
MALES:
  1. Motaba, A silverback originally from Jersy. He arrived in Australia in 1990 and is the father of all the young born at Melbourne.
  2. Buzandi son of Motaba by Betsy. He was born in 1991.
  3. Yakini, son of Motaba by Yuska. Born Nov 29 1999.
  4. Ganyeka, son of Motaba by G-Anne. Born April 26 2000.
FEMALES:
  1. Betsy. 42 years old. Originally from Taronga, arriving in Melbourne in 1980.
  2. Yuska, 28 years old. Has been at Melbourne Zoo since 1973. Famous as the mother of the first IVF baby, Mzuri.
  3. G-Anne, 20 years old. Arrived from Jersy in Dec 1997.
  4. Julia, 17 years old. Arrived from Jersy in Dec 1997.
  5. Jumanto. Daughter of Motaba by Julia. Born April 26 2000.