✍️ Story of paring up Monta w/ Rola in the past｜Gorilla｜CHIBA ZOO｜ゴリラ｜千葉市動物公園｜S1E030

Filmed: 2022/04
⚠️Some parts of the video are shaky due to my lack of experience in handling the camera. If you feel dizzy, please refrain from watching.
Summary ✎𓂃
In this video, I will share what actually happened when the zoo tried pairing up Monta with Rola. I referred to the back issues of the zoo's quarterly magazines. The video footage is of Rola in the end of April this year. I hope you will understand about the gorillas in Japan. I greatly appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thank you for watching.🌱
Updated: June 19, 2022
📙REFERENCES
1️⃣ Chiba Zoological Park News No. 71- 79, 82
2️⃣ Chiba Zoological Park Guidebook (2022 edition)
📌 M O N T A
Male - Silverback
BD: Sept 25,1984 (?)
POB: Spain or Africa
Parents: Unknown
Rearing: Unknown
• In 1987, Monta was transferred to Japan.
• In March 1993, he and Momoko were transferred to Chiba Zoological Park.
NB: The credibility of his birth info is uncertain. It's kind of a mystery that his parents are unknown yet his birthdate is indicated.....🤷🏻‍♀️
About Monta:
Monta and Momoko were transferred to Japan when Monta was around 3 years old via Spain. When he was little, Monta easily got lonely. In his childhood, Monta was often being chased by an elderly gorilla, Momoko. They grew up together. He's been plucking his face hair constantly. He desperately needs a companion. But as for now this kind of abnormal behavior can be reduced if the zoo puts more emphasis on environmental enrichment. He needs stimulation. He's been living alone most of his adult life. From 2009 till 2010, the zoo tried pairing up Monta and Rola several times. It didn't go well. Since then, he has been all alone.
🎥1️⃣ How Monta & Momoko came to Japan 👉 • ✍️How Monta(Nice) came...
🎥2️⃣ When Monta & Momoko were at Chiba Zoo 👉 • ✍️ Story when Momoko, ...
🎥3️⃣ When Momoko & Momotaro were at Chiba Zoo 👉 • ✍️Story when Monta, Mo...
📌 R O L A
Female
BD: Sept 21,1977
POB: Beppu Cable Rakutenchi, Japan
Sire: Gonta
Dam: Rirako
Rearing: Hand-reared
• In Sept 1977, Rola was born and was being hand reared in a vet house. No trial to return her to Rirako. But her case gave a lesson for zoos and keepers in Japan that a gorilla should be raised by its own kind.
• In Nov 1980, she was transferred to Tobu Zoo
Basically she was living alone but her keeper used to play with her.
• In Oct 1993, she was transferred to Ueno Zoo, and lived with her mother, Rirako, and other gorillas.
• In Dec 2008, she and Kenta were transferred to Chiba Zoo and lived with him until he passed away in 2016.
About Rola:
Rola has difficulty in communicating with other gorillas. Especially when she is put with a silverback, she becomes ill except with an individual like Kenta who had no interest in gorillas. She loves sunbathing. She occasionally exhibits abnormal behaviors such as coprophagy, licking urine, regurgitation and reingestion. I believe such behaviors can be reduced if the zoo puts more emphasis on environmental enrichment. Rola always searches for an earthworm as her companion. But it has a short life-span. I hope the zoo will consider the option of Rola living with other small animals. It may solve her abnormal behaviors and loneliness.
🎥 When the zoo tried pairing up Monta with Rola 👉 • ✍️ Story of paring up ...
🎥 Video focusing on "Regurgitation and Reingestion" by Rola 👉 • ✍️REGURGITATION AND RE...
🎥 Excellent video of Rola's upbringing made by Great Apes Zoo channel 👉 • さびしがり屋のローラを訪ねて1000㎞　別府...
📌 G O R O (1965/08? - 2009/10/10)
Silverback
POB: Unknown (wild-born)
• In Oct 1967, Goro was transferred to Osaka Tennoji Zoo when he was 2 yrs old.
• In Feb 1995, he was transferred to Chiba Zoo as part of BL program. (Pairing up with Momoko didn't go well.)
📍Goro at 2 years old on October 7, 1967.
mainichi.jp/ar...
🎥 Goro showed up at 3:30 in the video by Shada026 (Jan 2009)
• 千葉市動物公園ゴリラ(HD 720p)
📌 K E N T A (1977? - 2016/06/02)
Silverback
POB: Unknown
• Kenta was kept in a mobile zoo in Kyushu region.
• In June 1981, Kenta was transferred to Kobe Oji Zoo with a female gorilla Yasuko.
• In Nov 1998 they were transferred to Kyoto City Zoo as part of BL program. (Age 11)
• In May 2004, he was transferred to Ueno Zoo.
• In Dec 2008, he was transferred to Chiba Zoo with Rola.
🎥 Kenta on March 2011 by GORILLAS
• ゴキゲンなゴリラのケンタ君
🔎Other Links
GAIN Great Ape Information Network
shigen.nig.ac....
MUSIC:
Purpose by Jonny Easton kzbin.info.... Creative Commons Attribution license Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/al-purpose Music promoted by Audio Library • Purpose - Jonny Easton...
#WildlifeConservation #ZoosForConservation #EndangeredSpecies

[@RuthPreach]

Hello Karin, what a GREAT and INFORMATIVE video you just published. I think Monta and Rola would've had beautiful looking babies. (lol) They are both attractive looking. Rola is already 44 years old, she has let her feelings be known that she is not interested in having a male companion. Btw, I think she would have made a great surrogate mother. (imho) Something must have happened for her to be so fearful of males. Whether it be due to a traumatic experience or just being alone for so many years. Monta on the other hand, still has an chance for happiness. I wish they would test him and Momoko to see if they are related. Komomo is already twelve year old. Even though there is a big age difference, Monta is so nice and gentle, I think they would get along. Oh course they will need a bigger enclosure. But it's better than shipping her to another country. (imho) FYI, did you know that the UK is castrating their male gorillas? Isn't that HORRIBLE!!!

[@ZoosForConservation]

Hello Ruth. Thank you for watching the video. Yes. Like Toto babysitting Haoko's kids, Rola would have been a great nanny or a surrogate mom. The clock is ticking for Monta. I hope all relevant parties responsible of Komomo's future will make the best decision for her. As for the overpopulation of male gorillas in Europe as well as in the US, if castration is really happening to make them manageable, it's very shocking and concerning. This issue is pretty new to me, so I need to surf the net to learn more about it which is hardly ever happening in Japan.😆 But Japan could learn from the issue Europe and the States are facing now as a result of their successful breeding programs. Thank you Ruth for giving me educational comment. I have learnt a lot through comments with you and other viewers.

[@deadsmoke198]

Yes I heard about that Ruth and it's disgusting it makes you wonder what sort of people they are that permit this to happen.. Gorillas are highly intelligent animals and who knows what would happen if we remove one of their basic life and survival instincts.

[@Charlotte-r]

Hi Ruth. I read the same - and I was sickened! And I read that the male gorilla population already outnumbered the female; I didn't understand if that was only in the UK or all of Europe. I read that the procedure was done to little Shufai, the son of Oumbi. 😠 I don't know if I'm more mad or sad about this disgusting practice!

[@RuthPreach]

@@Charlotte-r I would have to do more research to determine if this is happening in all of Europe, but it has to stop. I am personally disgusted by it! These animals are on the verge of extinction and they chose to do this without taking into consideration the possibility of sending them to other countries to mate. It's pure selfishness if you ask me. There should be a law against doing this to animals facing extinction. Btw, I too heard about little Shufai. 😡 Be well and have a peaceful week.

[@Charlotte-r]

@@RuthPreachSent you an email, when you hv time.

[@212deathbedwish85]

Just watched this episode...I wonder how good looking the keeper is that momoko and rola are both interested with him✌✌😁😁

[@ZoosForConservation]

I wonder the same. Thank you for watching.😊

[@とらっち-q5g]

モンタさんもローラさんも幸せに過ごしてほしい 今のままでずっと一人はさみしそうですね

[@ZoosForConservation]

ほんとそうですよね。一人は人間だってこたえます🥲モンキーセンターのタロウさんくらい飼育員のかたたちに相手にされていたら別かもしれませんが。。。コメントありがとうございました⭐️

[@cameliad3522]

Today I watched this video again because you added the link in one of your replies. Unfortunately, like us humans, relationships between gorillas can be complicated too. It isn't always easy to find the right partner . Sometimes I wish gorillas could talk.😊 I'm sure they would make better friends than most of humans I know.

[@ZoosForConservation]

So true. I wish I could understand Rola's language, so that I can speak with her. Yesterday, I went to see her. She was pretty fine then. No R/R witnessed. Thank you Camelia for caring about Rola and for your kind comment as always.😊

[@babula678]

Thanks Karin !!! 👍

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you for watching!

[@carolgallagher7295]

Thank you, Karin for another informative video!

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you Carol for watching the video and for your kind comment!

[@mmfitter6731]

I’m a new sub. Thanks for the great website that features these beautiful gorillas.

[@ZoosForConservation]

You are always welcome. Thank you Mmfitter for watching!😊

[@MySkinnydip]

Thank you Karin! Brought me to tears again because I really think Monta will be a good mate and a great father! Rola was brought up by humans like Toto? I wonder if Rola could have an older female companion. But I look forward to your next video!🙋🏽🫶🏽

[@ZoosForConservation]

Rola used to live in Ueno with Toto. Rola can actually live with other gorillas. I hope she can have a companion too. Monta is such a beautiful silverback. I'm sure there must be a female who would love him dearly. Thank you for your warm comment!

[@joycecodrington4829]

Yesss my sentiment s exactly .

[@fj2201]

@@ZoosForConservation Even though they are different types, I wonder how he and Amahora would fair together? She's so beautiful, so I wonder how they'd relate to each other. Also, how did Rola and Toto get along? If they got along with each other and were separated, it may explain the odd behaviors she's engaging in. From the sounds of it, Toto doesn't really enjoy the time in her enclosure either.

[@Dons_footprints]

ローラさんは貴婦人のように美しい😊 モンタさんと仲良く暮らして…とは思うけれど、それは人間の勝手な願いですよね😓。 モンタさんにコモモちゃんとペアリングのチャンスを！と思いますが事情があるんでしょうね。 私の記憶も定かではありませんが、 コモモちゃんの所有権はタロンガ動物園にあり、ハオコが上野所属になる際の条件は、｢コモモは上野で飼育する事｣だったと思います。 であれば、コモモちゃんは上野でお婿さんを迎えるのかしら？

[@ZoosForConservation]

ローラは歳を取らないのでうらやましいです🥹 コモモが上野で飼育されることがタロンガの条件というのは私も読んだことがあります。なるほどー、それでコモモにいつまでも動きがないのですね。なにやらいろいろ縛りがありそうですが、専門家や関係者が知恵をしぼってベストな道をあみだしてほしいですね。 ためになるコメントありがとうございました⭐️

[@loribuchanan4126]

Thank u for video! A friend and not alone is better than nothing 🙏🦍

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you Lori for watching and I appreciate your comments! Yes, I also feel the same.

[@joycecodrington4829]

Wow ,wow ,wow 👍👍👍

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you Joyce for watching.🌸

[@vickiekunau5154]

I am just watching this two years later. I have a couple of questions. Since Rola seems to like smaller companions, I wondered about the small Muntjac deer such as those living with D'jeeco's family. Would that work: Thoughts? As for a companion for Monta, would Komomo work? Perhaps Riki down the line as he gets older? Just wondered what you thought of these ideas. Thank you!

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you, Vickie, for your thoughtful comment. I think the idea of placing small animals, such as a Muntjac deer, in their enclosures would be wonderful. It's only the zoo to decide whether they can handle multi-spieces exhibits. As for Monta, I would really hope to see Monta living with his own kind. Komomo or Momoka can live with Monta until they find appropriate mates to breed. But I doubt this zoo is capable to accommodate more gorillas.

[@tammydowell94]

Hello, this is pretty cool stuff,, would you happen to have anything on Momoko and Biju , the parents of Momortaro?

[@ZoosForConservation]

Hello Tammy. I'm sorry for my late reply. I briefly talked about Biju and Momoko in one of my past videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXy0lmlvYreMY68si=-0RvPVw6kizwTO_m

[@Mbhjjjkghh]

It would be great if they could live together as a couple but it seems that she prefers to be alone. time will tell and let's hope it's not too late for the two of them to live as a couple.❤

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you Alina for watching, and I appreciate your thoughtful comment.

[@lizzyyork]

I'm no expert, but I watch several gorilla troops across the UK, Japan, and the US and Rola's behavior seems normal. Most females fear the much larger Silverbacks, and in turn, the Silverbacks tend not to be very knowledgeable about mating unless paired with a mature experienced female or with lots of practice. It seems like the zoo has just given up on these two which is really sad. They should really work on building a larger, better enclosure and getting these two very lonely sweethearts in it together. Even if they don't mate they could be companions which all gorillas need.

[@ZoosForConservation]

100% agree with you. I really hope the zoo renovate their enclosures asap.Thank you Lizzy for your thoughtful comment.😊

[@don-don87]

モンタさんがもう一度メスと暮らすとしたら上野のコモモさんでしょうか、コモモさんも適齢期なのに群れを出られずストレス感じているようですね。

[@ZoosForConservation]

コモモも耳に手をやる癖があってストレスからきていることは間違いないですよね。コモモは上野で飼育されることがタロンガ（コモモの所有園）の条件らしいので、モンタが上野に婿入り！？（←難しそうですね😅）コメントありがとうございました⭐️

[@f1b1777]

Iriki in Taiwan zoo would suit Monta as Iriki personality is more like him like being alone but know having a baby secures her security (she clever she has a baby Not coz she wants one but as said her security).if you not see Iriki suggest watch her and think you get what I mean.

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you for sharing your interesting insight about Iriki.

[@adamgrim911]

Might have to do with her over Anxiety I'm sure that has something to do with her willingness to want to make with another gorilla honestly I think if there's no history of fights in the mail gorilla trying to hurt her then that door should be open so she can get past this

[@ZoosForConservation]

I agree with you 100%. Thank you Adam for caring about Rola.🦍🙏

[@staceyrogers4958]

Thank you for your informative video. It does seem sad that they can’t live together. Maybe they just needed longer to get used to each other. I wonder what happened in Roma’s past to make her more used to humans. Perhaps she could have a female companion for company 🦍🦍

[@ZoosForConservation]

Rola lived with Toto before at Ueno zoo. I hope she can go back there and live with her again in the future. Thank you Stacey for watching.😊

[@CrystalM1917]

​@@ZoosForConservationthat's interesting you mentioned that. They have similar personalities, very easy and calm and relaxed.

[@Buko812]

It's a shame they can't pair Momoka with Monta just to see if they get along.

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you Caroline for sharing your honest thoughts. I agree with you. Even though they aren't supposed to have offspring, they can try to live together at least so Monta can have a companion and Momoka can gain experience.

[@mmfitter6731]

Don’t you have their first introductions on video?

[@klmoll]

It’s sad to see diverse genetics not be passed on, scientifically. On a more humane point, it is sad to see them separate yet the same species.

[@ZoosForConservation]

Thank you klmoll for watching the video. Yes, it's very sad that they are separated and have to live alone.🥲

[@brovaco]

It explains that they couldn't mate but doesn't explain why they live separated, I still think it's too cruel for them, I know there gorillas living alone in the wild but having contact with any other living being... Is there even a suspect about why they aren't together? 😢

[@ZoosForConservation]

I've read and heard that Rola became ill when she was placed with a silverback, but Rola was also able to live with Kenta, another silverback who passed away in 2016. I think the zoo could have tried a little more to see if Rola could cope with Monta. This zoo has a tendency to be afraid of making a difference because there aren't experts on the species. Thank you for your comment!

[@swampsagacity4685]

@@ZoosForConservationWhy doesn’t the zoo contact experts outside Japan? Certainly they could find many willing experts if they tried.

[@juliajohnson5276]

Rola seems very lonely.😿❤️🇺🇸

[@ZoosForConservation]

🥲 Thank you Julia for watching!

[@sylvie2519]

How about a female companion for Rola. And find Mota a mate

[@ZoosForConservation]

Yes. The zoo actually told me quite some time ago that they were considering bringing a gorilla to live with Rola. But I'm not sure if that idea is still with them. 🤷🏻‍♀️ As for Monta, they said that they want to find a mate for him, but finding a breeding mate hasn't been successful for the zoo since it is something to be agreed upon with different parties. Or I have a doubt that the zoo has ever made an effort to make a deal.

[@f1b1777]

@@ZoosForConservationagain Iriki would also suit Rola as Iriki likes a quite life .but if with a male she have a baby not coz want too but for security what comes having a silverbacks child .

[@fajarmustofa8020]

Rola apa yg kau pikirkan setiap hari, pandangannya mata mu bgitu kosong

[@rr-fu6mn]

why r u telling stories aand no video

[@ZoosForConservation]

There is no video available. I started filming gorillas since 2021. I did my research on their past stories and explained to you viewers with the current video.😉

[@SnlkSk]

Just wondering wasn't it possible to artificially inseminate Rolla ?

[@ZoosForConservation]

Hi. Thank you for your comment. I've never heard doing artificial insemination to gorillas in Japan before. Is it a common method practiced for captive gorillas in your country? IMPO, the gorillas grew up without a silverback figure will have a difficulty later on. Exception is Momotaro. He was lucky to have an experienced wife, Genki.

[@SnlkSk]

@@ZoosForConservation Hi. No dear in my country it is not even imaginable to provide such amazing care to the zoo animals as your country provides. Actually I see lot of animal programs in Netflix Disney or other channels where I have seen captive dolphins, orcas being artificially inseminated. So the thought just came to my mind. But yes, gorillas are such highly emotional and sensitive creatures so without a silverback father the kids won't be normal. This thought didn't come to my mind. You are absolutely correct, Genki's guidance and patience has a huge contribution in the development of Momotarou as a father of Gentarou and Kintarou. Thanks for the information.

[@ZoosForConservation]

@@SnlkSk You are most welcome. I didn't know captive dolphin and orcas are artificially inseminated. Thank you too for your information.😊

[@fj2201]

@@SnlkSk She's alone there though; so what support will she have in rearing the baby... especially given that they are typically social animals? How might she respond if she doesn't take much to other gorillas??

[@klmoll]

@@SnlkSkorcas and dolphins are highly intelligent and should be wild. If you ever saw the video I saw showing how young wild dolphins are grabbed from their mothers, carried in a dry sling to be trained to swim with stupid tourists, it would horrify and sicken you. Sea world, greedy company, finally had enough pressure over captive orcas, they’ve stopped capturing and breeding, if what I’ve read is correct, but of course got to make the money, so dolphins are confined to a tank, no longer able to live in the ocean and do tricks for food. So sad. And castrating male gorillas? Makes no sense, why? One can always have female gorillas on some type of birth control. Oh this world!