How did the vultures react to Kushu and Toba? Kushu and Toba are very close and have each other for company, which is good for a herd animal. We timed the separation based on social cues, as there was an escalation in sparring between the boys’ and their father, Garrett. Kushu and Toba have matured to the point where it was naturally time for them to leave the family herd.
They showed great progress and moved calmly into a “safe zone” whenever they were afraid. We introduced the boys to the new space slowly, as some of the noises from other animals and equipment are new. Kushukuru (“Kushu” for short), now 2.5 years old, and Toba, who is almost 2 years old, are living in a different habitat at the Cheetah Conservation Station! They have moved in with Ruppell’s griffon vultures Tuck and Natelie. Rogue is also coming out of the bushes more to browse with the rest of the herd. Machi is definitely bold and confident with his family nearby. Machi tends to follow Gal’s lead in exploring the yard and we often see him grazing with Gal while his mom watches from a distance. Gal seems comfortable approaching the exhibit perimeter while guests are watching.
We witnessed breeding behaviors between Garrett and both females within a few days of introductions in their yard!īoth Garrett and Gal have calm demeanors, which influence the rest of the herd and create a calm atmosphere. Garrett is recommended to breed with both Rogue and Gal by the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan. We have only seen positive interactions since we introduced Garrett, our 11-year-old male, to Gal and Machi (his son) over the summer. Around that same time, three-year-old Galactus-Gal for short-arrived from the Saint Louis Zoo. Our seven-year-old female, Rogue, gave birth to male calf, Machi, March 29. Since our last lesser kudu update, two new kudu joined our herd.
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