Introductions
Services >> Introductions
Intros2
Introductions

Whether you are introducing one orangutan to another, integrating a bonobo into an established group, or creating a brand new bachelor group of gorillas, great ape introductions can be unpredictable, complex and even dangerous.

Extensive planning and preparation are needed for an introduction to run smoothly, yet the risks are never eliminated completely. So being prepared for every eventuality and knowing how to pick up on subtle behaviours is partcularly important when it comes to great ape introductions.

Great Ape Consultancy can help you plan your introduction effectively to minimise risk and even provide practical support if required. Evaluation of introductions is also extremely important for both staff training purposes and animal records. We can help you assess and evaluate your introductions and train staff to do the same.

Introducing 4 chimpanzees to a group of 13
Introducing two groups of great apes is always challenging and time consuming, it also requires teamwork and patience, like this integration of 17 chimpanzees at Twycross Zoo.
- Lorraine Miller
Read the case study
Our Services
enclosure design
Advice on enclosure design and furnishing to best suit of any of the four great ape species.
Animal management
Advice on best management and husbandry practices for a range of species and different social groupings.
Staff training
Available for one on one, team or classroom style training workshops, on the job training of staff members.
Health and safety
Developing risk assessments, safe working protocols and SOPs, assessing safe working practices.
Introductions
Advice on introduction planning. Able to provide practical support when introducing individuals and staff training.
Nutrition
Nutritional advice for all four great apes, developing diet plans, transitioning to new diets, optimising diet presentation to improve  health, welfare and behaviour.
Enrichment and training
Developing and assessing enrichment programmes. Advice on training a range of behaviours, developing in-house training skills and capacity.
Animal welfare
Advice on all aspects of great ape husbandry, developing routines and improving animal welfare. Independent welfare assessment of groups or animals.
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CASE STUDIES
Chimpanzee Eden - Photo: Katie Waller
Chimpanzee Eden
Moving 17 chimps to a brand new facility
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Orana Wildlife Park
Building a new gorilla habitat in New Zealand
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Bonobo group move
Moving 8 bonobos on the same day
Orangutan female - Photo: Jenny Bridges
Orangutan crate training
Crate training in 23 days
Chimpanzee training - Photo: Katie Waller
Wound management
Wound management via positive reinforcement
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Fruit free diets
Transitioning all four great apes to fruit free diets