Deep in thought

Almost a month ago, on 14 October 2014, I called in at the Calgary Zoo again, trying to make up for the fact that I hadn't been for about a year and a half until just recently. The Western Lowland Gorillas were in their outdoor enclosure, which I prefer, but they were still not easy to photograph, ha. I didn't spend long with them, though, as I wanted to see if there was any sign of the Eurasian Lynx this time. The Gorillas were scooping up armfuls of loose hay and putting them on top of their heads and having fun shaking off the hay. They also would place an armful on top of a large rock and then lie down on it. The IUCN status of Lowland Gorillas is "Critically Endangered".

"There’s always something fun going on in the Calgary Zoo’s gorilla exhibit. Smart, gentle and peaceful, our gorillas form part of a close-knit family, called a troop. Kakinga, a giant male silverback gorilla, leads the troop gently, but firmly and the youngsters’ boundless energy always guarantees a show as they play, swing, climb and forage for food.

Kakinga is a valuable member of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan not only because of his amiable personality, but also because his genetics have added valuable diversity to the North American population of gorillas.

Lowland Gorillas come from lowland tropical forests of Cameroon, Gabon and Congo, Africa. Western lowland gorillas live in dense and remote rainforests, preferring swampy areas with dense, leafy growth.

In the wild, populations of western lowland gorillas are under siege, having dropped more than 80 percent in just three generations. These gorillas face exceptionally high levels of hunting, disease and habitat loss.

Western lowland gorillas live in groups, called troops, with complex social structures. Troops are led by dominant, older adult males, called silverbacks because of the silver hair that marks the otherwise dark fur on their backs. Troops also include young males, several females and their offspring. Silverbacks are responsible for organizing their troop’s activities – eating, nesting and moving around their home range." From the Calgary Zoo website. Though a lot of the information is about Kakinga, the Gorilla in this image is one of the other members of the group. Will add a previously posted photo of Kakinga in a comment box below.

www.calgaryzoo.com/animals/mammals/gorillas

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Today, 11 November 2014, many people will be deep in thought as the light snow gently falls on wooden crosses, poppies and people.

How important it is for us to remember those who have served their country (not just Canada) and made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, there are thousands more on this Continent and elsewhere across the globe, who have returned from fighting, only to live their lives in the suffering and torture that continues to haunt them. These men and women, too, so often tend to be "the forgotten", though I think there is a little more awareness now. So sad, when the rest of us have so much to be thankful for, thanks to them.

I remember - and I am thankful.