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[Carrie McLaren <stay.free AT verizon.net>]

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.