Training
Part of Zaire’s daily routine is training in what keepers call operant conditioning, in which the gorillas are encouraged to present themselves for medication and check-ups upon certain commands.
Commands and actions:
Arm = the gorilla offers its arm for medical examinations
Mouth = the gorilla opens wide for a dental check.
Belly = a female gorilla offers her stomach for an ultrasound pregnancy check.
Ear = the gorilla presents its ear for temperature probes
In one day a gorilla is likely to eat the following:
690g Cucumber
345g Carrots
230g Banana
1265g mixed greens
575g broccoli
60g unsweetened plain popcorn
80g mixed seed
345g swede
1150g lettuce
And about 6-8 litres of herbal tea!