The good news is that Mukecuru, the old female in Pablo group who lost her infant last week is much improved. She is still carrying the dead baby, but behaving normally, eating well.
The bad news is that Tuck, the old female that was with Titus when he died is declining. Gorillas, like people (and most mammals, for that matter) form bonds with specific other individuals - Tuck had been with Titus for years, even staying with him when all the other females went with another silverback some months ago. She has been following Rano and his small all male group since Titus died. Her young son Segasira has become fully integrated into the group, but Tuck stays on the periphery. Several days ago she showed up with a laceration on her head, but seemed fine. Today trackers report that she seems lethargic and/or weak; moving even more slowly than she usually does. Jean Felix is going to observe her tomorrow. She is 37, and the oldest female with a known birth date. A little too much Deja vu.
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Oh NO not Tuck! (exclaimed one called Tuck or Tucker for most of my life)
ReplyDeleteA few questions for you Dr. Jan:
1)Is it fair to say that like humans some gorilla mates don't recover from the loss of a partner?
2)You have used the term 'weak' quite often to describe gorillas you have concern about. How do the trackers determine what signs constitute weakness? Is this an observation from afar, or are they physically interacting with the gorilla?
Hey Tucker!
ReplyDeleteGood questions - I've modified the blog post.
Are you coming for a visit with Roger???