Such inhabitants of the zoo prefer peace and quiet.
Western lowland gorillas are endangered. Many zoos have taken care of these animals, including the Atlanta Zoo. Several representatives of this species live here, and one individual, a male named Ozzy, holds the world record for age.
In the wild, these primates live up to 30-40 years. In zoos where they receive medical care and are fed enough, this period has been increased to 50 years, but after forty the animal is officially considered old.
Such inhabitants of the zoo are settled separately-they can no longer keep up with the youth, and they themselves prefer peace and quiet.
In Atlanta, where living conditions for primates are close to ideal, there are several age gorillas, and the zoo organizes them into special groups where they are comfortable with each other.
Ozzy, the zoo’s oldest member of the species, has spent the last 17 years with his 58-year-old friend Chumba.
Recently, 36-year-old Kuchi and 45-year-old Machi, who have also become bored with the company of energetic relatives, have been added to their company.
Ozzy does not like loud music, and when he needs something from the caretakers, he talks to them with his voice or knocks on doors and windows. His favorite food is oranges and cabbage.
An individual approach to each inhabitant of the Atlanta Zoo provided the western lowland gorillas with a record life expectancy: on June 20, Ozzy celebrated his 60th birthday.
In honor of this event, an ice «cake» of frozen fruits was prepared for him. Thus, Ozzy remains the oldest western lowland gorilla on the planet.
Ozzy has more than 20 descendants: children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They live not only in the neighborhood but also in many zoos around the world.
