Introducing a Silverback to an Established Group of Adult Female Western Gorillas (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla)

Author

Claudia Martinez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Mario Gil

Second Advisor

Dr. Valerie James-Aldridge

Third Advisor

Dr. Lucia Carreon Martinez

Abstract

In May of 2015, an attempt to introduce a new silverback (adult male) to an established group of six western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) housed at Gladys Porter Zoo failed. The introduction process was halted and only protected contact among the gorillas was allowed. On May 1, 2018 another introduction was initiated to three adult females.Twelve months of behavioral data were compared across three time periods and two environments. We predicted that an increase in agonistic and affiliative behaviors would occur while anxious behaviors would decrease. We observed a significant increase in affiliative behavior and a significant decrease in anxious behavior outdoors. Significant decreases in locomotion, manipulation and stationary behaviors were also observed. In contrast to other reports, levels of agonism were low in all conditions. This second introduction attempt is judged successful. The prolonged period of protected contact and reduced group size may have facilitated group formation.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Claudia Martinez. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/introducing-silverback-established-group-adult/docview/2438523871/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Martinez, Claudia, "Introducing a Silverback to an Established Group of Adult Female Western Gorillas (Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla)" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 714.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/714