Animals, Africa and other secrets…

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The Story of the Gorillas

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This young female western lowland gorilla, together with a male, was brought illegally into Nigeria from Cameroon. They were offered for sale to the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden and arrived there (see above) on 18 December 1964.
This young male gorilla arrived with the female in the previous picture. Both gorillas had been badly treated prior to arrival - note the burns on the chest of this animal. 18 December 1964.
After consultations with the Nigerian Federal and Cameroon Governments, the Nigerian Government authorised us to confiscate the two gorillas from the Asian traders who had brought them into Nigeria from Cameroon. Late December 1964.
One of the first problems to address was that, due to previous harsh treatment from their captors, both gorillas disliked being handled and were generally very nervous. They bit me and some of the zoo keepers whenever they felt threatened. We therefore spent much time with the animals, quietly trying to gain their confidence and trust. Late December 1964.
Another urgent need was to devise a diet that the gorillas would accept and which would provide for their return to good health and subsequent healthy development. The Veterinary Department of the University of Ibadan worked closely with us at that time - our thanks to Professor Desmond Hill. Late December 1964.
The zoo staff soon selected names for the two young gorillas. The male (left above) was named 'Aruna' and the female 'Imade' (pronounced 'Ee-ma-deh'). We estimated that Aruna was around 2.5 years old and Imade around 1.5 years. Late December 1964.
Over the next few months, both gorillas put on weight and the burns on the chest of the male (Aruna) healed well. On a temporary basis, we kept them in one room of an old animal buliding which we modified for their needs. However, as both gorillas became less nervous of us we began to take them out of their quarters into the zoo grounds and on to an adjacent grassy field. 1965.
On some of these excursions we also took with us a young male chimpanzee. The three animals played and jostled quite harmoniously although there were occasional minor skirmishes. A team consisting of myself and specially selected zoo keepers were present at all times and kept a watchful eye on the apes' activities. 1965.
The female gorilla (Imade) takes a nutritious drink. Both gorillas quickly learned how to handle a fluid-filled cup without too much spilling. 1965.
Here I am carrying the gorillas back to their quarters after some vigorous exercise on the nearby grassy field - 1965. While it was impossible to know exactly where our gorillas originated from, we assumed them to be western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). However, a distinct subspecies from the Nigeria Cameroon border area was formally described and named the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) in 2000.
While both Aruna and Imade soon settled well into their new home and routine, and related well to their keepers, it soon became apparent that Imade was much more suspicious than Aruna of any new or strange items that entered her domain. Here a chamaeleon has been introduced to the gorillas, and whereas Imade keeps her distance, Aruna is immensely curious and relatively unafraid and soon wants to examine the chamaeleon in more detail. 1966.
Aruna follows carefully and slowly behind the chamaeleon while plucking up the courage to touch its tail. 1966.
Finally Aruna and the chamaeleon face each other. The chamaeleon opens its mouth and makes hissing noises and Aruna decides to keep his distance. 1966.
A zoo visitor is allowed to help feed the gorillas and young chimpanzee. 1967.
Michael Iyoha, the senior keeper in charge of the apes, helps keep order. Michael was an exceptionally gifted zoo keeper who was much involved with the care of the gorillas. 1967.
It was around this time (1967) that I realised that serious thought was needed regarding the future of the two gorillas. The type of ape accommodation that I found at the zoo when I arrived (see above, with chimpanzee) was old, badly designed and totally unsuitable. If the gorillas were to remain at the Zoo, a new building was required incorporating the latest concepts in zoo design. 1967.
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Thus began a period of design research, although within the context of a limited budget for our new ape project, and I consulted with a number of overseas zoos that had also used water moats as ape barriers. In the meantime we continued to take the gorillas out of their temporary quarters as often as possible to keep them active and present them with challenges large and small. 1968.
Aruna takes it easy while Imade seems to want to have a quiet word... 1968.
Both gorillas were very ticklish. 1968. (NOW PLEASE CLOSE AND GO TO PAGE 2)
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