Haloko
Details Haloko is from the Philadelphia Zoo. She came to the National Zoo in December of 1989. She became part of the family group formed to properly socialize young, hand-reared Gorillas. Hand-reared animals often make bad parents because they focus on people rather than other Gorillas. The support and guidance of being in a family group can help hand-reared animals learn how to be good Gorilla parents. To learn more see Gorillas Just Want to Have Fun by Kim Eisler - Washingtonian Magazine.
Species Lowland Gorilla - Gorilla G. Gorilla
Range Zaire River Basin, from coastal Gabon to the Virunga Mts. of Zaire, Rwanda & Uganda.
Habitat Undisturbed rain forests to 3,000 m. (10,000 ft.).
Social Structure Troops of 4 to 30 gorillas; a silver-backed male leads each troop.
Behavior Shy, unaggresive. Builds nests on the ground or in trees up to 18 m. (60 ft.) where they spend the night.
Voice About 16 different vocalizations.
Diet Prefers leaves, shoots & buds.
Lifespan 37 years in zoos.
Status Endangered