Gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List and BIOPARC wants to draw attention to this serious situation and convey this concern to society and the numerous people who have been able to witness this very special celebration.
Cope with the biodiversity loss It is a global task and from the Foundation Different actions are undertaken to promote the conservation of nature and the most endangered species. It is essential anticipate that the situation is irreversible and carry out coordinated actions with a scientific basis.
The state of the Gorillas is especially worrying, given that they are in critical danger of extinction according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and efforts are directed to their protección both in their habitat of origin (in situ) as out of this one (ex situ). In the first case, from the BIOPARC Foundation resources are allocated to collaborate with the Ebo Forest Research Project from Cameroon, which tries to defend this invaluable tropical forest and prevent the disappearance of a small group of these primates that have their refuge there.
The second case is equally priority, since the objective is mantener under human care in the optimal conditions marked by specialists, a Sufficient and genetically sustainable number of gorillas to ensure their survival, in anticipation of a possible extinction in the wild. To achieve this, the international endangered species preservation programs (EEP) in which the most important animal parks in Europe participate.
Special environmental enrichment on the occasion of the birthday of the gorilla Virunga.
Today 8 years ago Virunga was born in BIOPARC Valencia and it was the result of the participation of the Valencian park in the EEP of the subspecies Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). The group formed by the silverback Mambie, along with the females Nalani, Ali and Fossey, sparked optimism with the birth 11 years ago of Ebo, the first “Valencian” gorilla, followed by Virunga, Pepe (6 years old) and Félix (5 years).
They all represent hope for your species and that is what we want to celebrate today. For this special day, the animal care staff who are responsible for providing them with maximum well-being, have lovingly organized their birthday. In one surprise party could not miss the decor and this has been prepared with colorful garlands and natural elements such as fresh branches. The result has actually been attractive to the entire gorilla family. And, of course, the central element of an anniversary, the pie, in this case, very colorful and huge which had been delicately made with fruit, vegetables and jellies.
The behavior has been as expected by the technical team since Virunga and his mother, who hold a high status in the group, have been the first to go and choose your favorite delicacies. Although the good relationship and integration of the whole family You could see how they shared the exquisite tasting and everyone participated in this peculiar party, including the white-crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus lunulatus), who have been very curious about the ornamentation. It should be noted that these very particular actions are environmental enrichments aimed at enhancing the animal welfare protocols, by using techniques that motivate their instincts or awaken their curiosity and interaction.
Virunga has turned 8 years old and has enjoyed with the rest of the group the striking decoration and a delicious fruit and vegetable cake and refreshing ice creams.
El large audience of all ages and origins who visited the park have had the opportunity to observe the commemoration and have greatly enjoyed the originality of the activity and having been able to contemplate the different behaviors of the gorillas.
For objective of Foundation to raise awareness in society These proposals are especially interesting, as they represent a magnificent opportunity to transfer the commitment to protection of these iconic animals and the environment in general. The park carries out more than 20 free activities throughout the day, all of them aimed at awakening interest in the preservation of nature.
The Virunga anniversary also implies a tribute to memory of an exceptional woman, Dian Fossey, who tragically died defending gorillas. Most people discovered her story from the book and the successful biopic “Gorillas in the Mist” starring Sigourney Weaver. Fossey is the name of one of the BIOPARC females and Virunga is the name of the National Park located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a mythical sanctuary in which just over 1.000 mountain gorillas survive.
