Kaius’ fresh hurdle
Just when he thought it was safe to enter the ape world, hand-raised, world-famous gorilla Kaius has hit another hurdle.
The 14-month-old primate is ready to explore the grown-up enclosure at Mogo Wildlife Park, decked out with trees, ropes and a moat, but red tape has again stunted his progress.
Zookeeper Chad Staples wanted to familiarise Kaius with the new surroundings for short periods each day before he enters the enclosure fulltime with his adopted mum G Anne.
“My plan was to do controlled sessions, inviting small groups of people to watch, and me sitting on the edge of the moat ready to jump in if needed,” Mr Staples said.
“There have been great apes drown in moats all around the world if unaware what they are or of the boundary they present.
“The accomplishment of reintroduction back to another gorilla cannot be undersold, with many major zoos unable to achieve the feat without serious injury or death to the infant.”
Mr Staples said he feared Kaius would struggle with new surroundings and people “oohing and aahing” and crowding him. But the NSW Department of Primary Industries has rejected his request, saying legislation prevented Kaius from being on display without other gorillas. “It absolutely doesn’t make sense,” he said. “It feels to me it’s a ‘no’ for no’s sake.”
Mr Staples has asked Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty to intervene. “I can’t believe it’s taken getting a minister involved for common sense and true animal welfare to prevail,” he said. It’s not the first time Kaius has drawn the ire of DPI investigators.
In February, Mr Staples found himself the subject of an impromptu inspection after an anonymous complaint, and he was forbidden to travel with Kaius to his other zoo.
Ms Moriarty has been contacted for comment.