Female Gorillas Chase Ivan Ivan’s Introduction To Opposite Sex Goes Well, But Decidedly Unromantic

After 28 years of bachelorhood, Ivan the gorilla learned some quick lessons about life with the opposite sex.

In what zookeepers characterized as typical gorilla behavior, two feisty females slapped Ivan and chased him around the pen Monday. It was too early for any romantic overtures.

“We’re pretty satisfied that he’s learning some things,” said Terry Maple, director of Zoo Atlanta.

“They’re slapping at each other and sparring. It’s like a couple of boxers trying to find out who is the tough guy.”

Ivan spent most of his 32 years alone in a cage at a Tacoma mall. He was brought to the zoo in October after lobbying by animal rights groups.

Zoo officials are hoping he will mate and produce offspring.

Ivan and the females - 26-year-old Molly and 10-year-old Kuchi - sized each other up for a few moments after their first meeting in the same cage.

Then Ivan reached for a rope hanging in the 25-by-40-foot steel mesh enclosure and was slapped on the hand by Molly. The gorillas scuffled and screamed, and the females chased Ivan around.

Ivan, who at 400 pounds weighs more than both the 160-pound females combined, displayed a “tremendous amount of restraint” by not being more physical, said Maple, who watched on a video monitor. “He’s never been around gorillas, so he doesn’t know their intentions.”

It was too early to expect signs of affection, although Kuchi did appear to be flirting with Ivan, said Gail Eaton, a senior vice president at the zoo.

At one point, Kuchi sidled up to Ivan. Befuddled by her boldness, Ivan asserted himself by throwing a big pile of straw at her. Then he slapped her.

Molly and Kuchi had two escape routes in case Ivan got too rough: two shelf-like perches 5 feet above the floor, and a door that is too small for Ivan.

Because of the tension and potential for trouble, only those humans most familiar to Ivan - two keepers and researcher Kyle Burks - were present. A remote camera recorded the day’s events.

After more than six hours, the gorillas were returned to their sleeping quarters. Ivan will spend today with Molly and Kuchi. Eventually he will live with them full time.

The zoo plans to put the gorillas on display by the July Fourth weekend.