Philadelphia Zoo Shows Off Its Newly Acquired Stud Gorilla
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The public today got its first look at the Philadelphia's Zoo's newest -- but by no means youngest -- gorilla.
His name is Motuba. He's 29 years old and weighs 432 pounds.
This western lowland gorilla came from a zoo in Nebraska on a breeding recommendation from the Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
While we were there, Motuba seemed to take umbrage at the presence of news reporters and photographers. He smacked the glass of his enclosure with his palm, backed by the full force of his weight.
So, is he still getting adjusted to his new home?
"It is very typical of male gorillas," said gorilla keeper Kristen Farley-Rambo. "He is still adjusting. He only arrived here on Thursday, so he is still getting adjusted and he is exploring his new digs and everything. You know, there are a lot of people here today. He's just showing off. That's pretty much what they do."
Has he been introduced to the female gorillas yet?
"He has not, no. We are keeping them apart for now, for another week or so, hopefully just to make sure he doesn't have any diseases to pass on to anyone else."
Motuba is on indefinite loan. The zoo hopes to pair him with 14-year-old Kira.
