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  • From: Carrie McLaren <stay.free AT verizon.net>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Gorilla and chimp spar at Jacksonville Zoo
  • Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 18:24:38 -0400

Gorilla Takes On Chimp At Jacksonville Zoo

By Deanna Fene
First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A gorilla and a chimpanzee are both recovering after a fight at the Jacksonville Zoo.

The gorillas and the chimps live just across the moat from each other, which is usually a good barrier, since both fear the water and neither knows how to swim.

One of the largest gorillas at the zoo, a 24-year-old male named Quito, either fell into the moat or tried to cross it, and ended up on the chimps side.

Dr. Nick Kapustin is the Zoo's Veterinarian. He says, "There was an altercation and we have a chimp with Quito going into his territory and the two got aggressive with each other."

Chimps are more aggressive, but much smaller. A 150-pound chimp named Jackson went up against a more than 500-pound gorilla, named Quito, and the chimp lost.

Kapustin says, "Jackson the chimp sustained some bite wounds and lacerations and he was treated immediately."

Quito didn't have any physical wounds but apparently went underwater when he was in the mote, which left him very sick.

Kapustin says, "He likely inhaled water into his lungs. That can create some respiratory problems and that's what we're dealing with now."

Both Quiot and Jackson are recovering in their indoor habitats and both are expected to be okay.

The gorilla exhibit opened back in 1998 and zoo officials says this is the first time they've ever had any problem of this nature.



  • [monkeywire] Gorilla and chimp spar at Jacksonville Zoo, Carrie McLaren, 07/12/2005

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