Social proximities of developing gorilla males (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in European zoos: the consequences of castration and social composition
In the European captive population of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), the harem social structure and an even sex ratio at birth result in a surplus of males and consequent management difficulties. This study seeks to assess the socialization differences between captive juvenile and adolescent male gorillas according to their fertility status (intact vs […]
Behavioral response of captive western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) to the death of silverbacks in multi-male groups
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20246.abs In both free-ranging and captive western lowland gorillas, a silverback provides protection and leadership, mediating conflict within a group. In the wild, when a dominant silverback dies the group will disperse or transfer to a solitary male, unless a subsequent male is present to inherit the group. In captivity, studies have focused on […]
Association patterns of African elephants in all-male groups: the role of age and genetic relatedness
Strong social bonds are uncommon among male mammals. In many mammals, however, males form all-male groups, providing opportunities for male-male bonds to emerge. We examined association patterns of male African elephants, Loxodonta africana, in all-male groups and assessed the influence of age and genetic relatedness on these associations. We also examined the influence of age […]