A fission/ fusion process and its continued progress for 4.6 western lowland gorillas  

S. Illingworth, Keeper II *

M. Weise, Head Keeper

ABQ BioPark, Albuquerque,

New Mexico , USA

illingworth_79@hotmail.com

In April 2000, with a population of 4.5 Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), keepers began the first steps needed for the separation of one single troop into two groups. This plan meant the separation of the dominant unreproductive pair from the troop, in the hopes to form a reproductive population with a younger silverback. This restructuring included the removal of two young males to another zoo, deaths of the older pair, reorganizations due to illness, and the transfers of additional members into our facility.

In order to establish this breeding population, we transitioned to utilizing a rarely used management technique with gorillas, a fission/fusion concept: the combined use of splitting, along with blending/forming of a union, for the management of our group. Using the power of a ‘coalition’ each time following separations from the main group, we have been able to successfully continue with our plans through present day. Through each stage, we show how a planned strategy, and unplanned additions, have continually come full circle to reshape our troop within this facility. With continued flexibility of both staff and our gorillas, we outline our past and present stages; and take a look forward to the future restructuring with our current population.