Update! Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Gets Fuzzy Surrogates
March 15, 2013
Recently we reported HERE on a little baby Gorilla who made a journey across the country from Texas to the Cincinnati Zoo to be hand reared after her birth mother wasn't able to provide her with proper care. We are happy to report that the little girl, who has since been named Gladys in honor of the zoo at which she was born, is doing well and has taken quite fondly to her surrogates. With a little help from some special attire that is.
Keepers at the Cincinnati Zoo had faux fur company, Fabulous Furs, manufacture an artificial gorilla vest for surrogates to wear when taking care of little Gladys. The local company graciously provided the vests free of charge. “Helping animals is at the heart of everything we do at Fabulous-Furs and we’re long-time supporters of the Cincinnati Zoo’s animal conservation efforts,” said Donna Salyers, President of Fabulous Furs. “Fabulous Furs is known for the world’s finest faux furs and believing one of our fabrics might help make baby Gladys’ life easier made helping an easy decision. Now, as we share Gladys’ story with our kids and grandkids, their enthusiasm makes it even more meaningful. We’re absolutely thrilled to contribute.”
Photo credits: David Jenike / Cincinnati Zoo
See and learn more after the fold!
Ron Evans, the primate team leader at the Cincinnati Zoo, explained the importance of having surrogates wear the vests to mimic a natural mother. “Vests are incredibly important to Gladys’ gorilla-fication. The day a baby Gorilla is born they can pretty much hold on to mom without any support. So we need to give Gladys the same opportunity as we’re doing her surrogacy ourselves until she goes in with a gorilla. It’s very important that Gladys has some good hand holds and when she’s on these vests she sticks to them like velcro. She’s very comfortable on them and feels much more secure in her ability to hang on like a gorilla should. We are extremely grateful to Donna Salyers and her entire team.”