Mike is a 23-year-old western lowland gorilla who resides at the Houston Zoo. As part of the bachelor group of gorillas, Mike shares his habitat with two other male gorillas, Chaka and Ajari. While he does not live with the family group, Mike has been known to interact and play with some of the female gorillas, including Binti.
Age and Arrival
Mike is currently 23 years old, having arrived at the Houston Zoo from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, S.C. His species, the western lowland gorilla, is known for its gentle nature and impressive size, with adult males weighing up to 400 pounds.
Role in the Family Group
As a member of the bachelor group, Mike is separated from the family group, which consists of the silverback Zuri, adult females Holly and Binti, and the adolescent female Sufi. While he does not directly participate in the family dynamics, Mike has been observed interacting and playing with some of the female gorillas, particularly Binti.
Favorite Snack
Although there is no specific information available on Mike’s favorite snack, it is known that gorillas are vegetarians and enjoy treats like popcorn, which is a favorite of another gorilla named Angel. Gorillas in captivity are often provided with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods to meet their dietary needs.
Unique Characteristics
Sneaking Out to Hang with Red Pandas
In 2017, Mike made headlines when he managed to sneak out of his enclosure and into the nearby red panda exhibit. This unexpected encounter was captured on video and quickly went viral, showcasing Mike’s curious and adventurous nature.
Mourning the Loss of a Gorilla Family Member
The Houston Zoo community was saddened by the recent loss of one of their female gorillas, Holly. As a member of the gorilla family group, Mike and the other gorillas were observed by zookeepers to be grieving the loss of their companion.
Welcoming a New Gorilla to the Family
In a more positive note, the Houston Zoo celebrated the arrival of a new adult female gorilla, Binti, who joined the family group in 2018. This addition to the gorilla community provided an opportunity for Mike and the other bachelor group members to potentially interact with and get to know the new arrival.
Visitor Interactions
As a popular attraction at the Houston Zoo, Mike and the other gorillas are often the focus of visitor attention. Zookeepers and staff work diligently to provide enriching experiences for the gorillas, while also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the guests.
Conservation Efforts
The Houston Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts for the western lowland gorilla, which is classified as a Critically Endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Through educational programs, fundraising, and partnerships with other organizations, the zoo aims to raise awareness and support for the protection of this iconic species.
Conclusion
Mike the Gorilla is a beloved resident of the Houston Zoo, captivating visitors with his unique personality and behaviors. As part of the bachelor group, Mike plays an important role in the zoo’s gorilla community and contributes to the overall conservation efforts for his species. By learning about Mike and the other gorillas at the Houston Zoo, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.
References
- https://texashillcountry.com/houston-zoo-welcomes-gorilla/
- https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-Zoo-gorilla-sneaks-out-to-hang-with-red-12400881.php
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_-2uUiX7Q0
- https://www.houstonzoo.org/blog/houston-zoo-mourns-the-loss-of-female-gorilla/
- https://www.houstonzoo.org/blog/adult-female-gorilla-joins-houston-zoo-family/