Mgeni-Mopaya
Details Called Mopie for short, he was born at the NZP to Nikumba and Femelle, on May 29, 1972. He was handreared at the Bronx Zoo, then went to the San Antonio Zoo. He returned to NZP in December of 1990, after the death of his father, who also lived at NZP. He is paired with the female Mesou.
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