Ganyeka is enjoying his new enclosure. 73391 Picture: XAVIER SMERDON
By XAVIER SMERDON
CHILDREN and big kids alike screamed in amazement as a 120 kilogram gorilla threw himself at the crowd standing behind a window last week.
It was the official opening of Werribee Open Range Zoo’s new gorilla bachelor pad and the three Western Lowland Gorillas seemed to enjoy the occasion as much as the stunned crowd.
Father Motaba and his two sons, Yakini and Ganyeka ran across their new $3.6 million home, which has become the centre-piece of the award-winning zoo.
Minister for the Environment, Ryan Smith, officially cut the ribbon made out of bananas while he proclaimed the enclosure a win for Wyndham.
“It’s just a fantastic day to announce the official opening of the gorilla enclosure,” Mr Smith said.
“This is only going to be great for this zoo and great for the West.”
The youngest of the three gorillas, Ganyeka, immediately ran over to the main viewing area where throngs of people were waiting for a glimpse of the amazing creatures and smashed against the window.
He continued to punch the glass as a way of showing the crowd who was the boss.
Gorilla keeper Kathy Scanlon said the enclosure was designed to give all three men their own space.
“Eventually they will all be silverbacks and we’re hoping that we’ve designed the enclosure in such a way that they will all be able have some space to themselves,” Ms Scanlon said.
“It’s been such a long road and finally everyone can see them, it’s great.”
Five-year-old Lilly could not keep her eyes off the gorillas.
“I like it when he pulled down the tree,” Lilly said.
“I don’t think he’s scary, I think it’s funny when he punches on the glass.”
