The Smithsonian National Zoo's troop of Western Lowland Gorillas is comprised of 6 animals. Two adult males, 3 adult females and 1 infant male. The Alpha male is Baraka. Baraka was born at the zoo in 1992 and has lived his entire life within the habit there. The Western Lowland Gorillas have interior habitats consisting of 3 suites and a large exterior space with climbing apparatus and natural vegetation. Within the social network of the gorillas are two grouping. The main troop is made up of Baraka, and the three adult females 9 Mandara age 33, Kibibi age 9 and Calaya who was transferred to the zoo in 2015 from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle as a genetic match for Baraka. The final member of this troop is Moke, who was born this past April to Calaya and Baraka. The other adult male, Kojo was part of a bachelor group that included his older brother Kwame. Kwame left the National Zoo in August of this year and is currently being introduced to the Western Lowland Gorilla troop at the Woodlands Park Zoo where he will become the alpha male in the wake of the passing of their former alpha male. By transferring adult males in this way, zoos create circumstances that would occur naturally in the wild. Kwame's departure has left Kojo on his own for now. Kojo was also born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in 2001.I have some nice photos of Kojo posing, as well as a few of Calaya with Moke, although these were harder to obtain as she was in constant motion and keeping the little fellow either tucked up under her or wrapped around her forearm.
Kibibi, Calaya and Moke
Baraka
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