The ongoing construction of the new zip line at GPZ has prompted our team to initiate a focused observation on the pileated gibbons. By collecting data before, during, and after the construction, we aim to comprehensively understand how this significant environmental change may impact the gibbons' behavior and well-being. This study is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the adaptability of the gibbons to anthropogenic disturbances, helping us better understand their resilience in altered environments. Secondly, the findings will contribute valuable information to the broader literature on the effects of construction activities on primate species, aiding in the development of effective conservation and management strategies. Ultimately, this research serves as a proactive measure to ensure the welfare of the gibbons and informs future decision-making processes related to habitat changes within zoo environments.
We examined possible effects of the death of an adult female western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) named Martha on the behavior of the remaining six group members, i.e., Martha’s own infant, Kruger; the group’s silverback, Mbundi; and two other adult females, both related to Martha and each with an infant of her own, Penney with infant Sally, Margaret with infant Burchfield. Despite somewhat limited pre-death data due to covid-related issues, descriptive statistics revealed changes in affiliative, anxious, agonistic, and undesirable behaviors. Notably, Kruger, increased initiated affiliative contacts with silverback Mbundi (Pre M=0.46 min per 5-min focal test; Post M=2.16 min) who readily accepted his offspring’s presence. Surprisingly, neither Penney nor Margaret increased their affiliative contacts with Kruger post-death, continuing to focus on their own offspring. Subtle shifts in anxious and agonistic behaviors emerged. Margaret exhibited reduced anxious behaviors (Pre M=0.84 min; Post M=0.05 min) while Burchfield displayed increased agonistic behaviors (Pre M=0.01 min; Post M=0.91 min). Penney, Martha’s full sister, demonstrated an increase in undesirable behaviors (Pre M=0.09 min; Post M=0.24 min), possibly as a result of loss of social support. These findings enhance our understanding of death’s individual impacts on gorilla group dynamics.
-Valerie James-Aldridge, Claudia Martinez, Patricia Scanlan, and Jamie Langbein
Empathy, a pivotal factor in interpersonal connections, explains our capacity to comprehend the needs of others and respond suitably in various scenarios. However, the potential interference of stress with empathetic behavior remains a subject of investigation. To address this, we conducted an experimental study focusing on distress levels and behaviors in female rats subjected to stressful conditions. In our study, four female rats served as subjects, experiencing distress-inducing situations. The experiment involved observing the behaviors of cage mates while one rat endured a rat restrainer, comparing these responses to a pair without restraint. Notably, empathetic behaviors were significantly more frequent during the initial trial, followed by a sharp decline in a subsequent trial. To gauge distress levels, we employed the Rat Grimace Scale, which involves observing and scoring facial expressions and other behaviors that are indicative of pain or discomfort, as both a pre-test and post-test for all subjects. Our results revealed a considerable impact on distress levels in the experimental group, particularly as they endured multiple trials under stressful conditions. These findings underscore a natural expression of empathetic behaviors by the subjects, with a clear correlation between heightened stress and diminished empathetic engagement. Our study suggests that increased stress levels directly impede one's ability to express empathy, leading to reduced engagement with others. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the intricate relationship between stress and empathetic expression. Understanding these dynamics has implications for comprehending the nuanced interplay between psychological states and social interactions, emphasizing the importance of managing stress for fostering empathetic connections.
-Adelyn Garcia and Claudia Martinez
This research focused on the behavior of Western lowland gorillas, particularly the interaction between adult gorillas and infant gorillas in relation to the visibility of the infants' white tail tufts. The study, conducted at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, observed five gorillas, including two adults (Margaret and Mbundi) and three infants (Burchfield, Kruger, and Sally). The researchers found a significant relationship between adult gorilla behavior (discipline and nurture) and the visibility of the infant gorillas' white tail tufts. The data analysis, using a Chi-Square Test, indicated that adult gorillas exhibited varying behaviors based on the visibility of the infants' white tail tufts. The findings suggest that this distinctive infantile characteristic may influence the interaction dynamics between adult and infant gorillas. The implications of this study could contribute to a better understanding of gorilla behavior and inform future research on the subject, particularly in the context of potential risks to infant gorillas with non-visible white tail tufts.
-Dulce Mendoza and Claudia Martinez
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.
-Claudia Martinez and Valerie James-Aldridge
Check out this informative video showcasing Mrs. Martinez's PhD research on gorilla welfare and the introduction of new animals to established groups. Mrs. Martinez is pursuing her PhD in Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide.
Dian Fossey
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