Zookeeper Diary - Katherine (Primates)

Katherine Willis joined Windaroo Zoo's staff for primate care and study in Summer of 2006. Having majored in Biology and Immunology in school, Katherine spent 18 months interning under current staff members before coming onboard full time as an official zookeeper.

August 17th, 2007
It's not official yet, but Kapuki just gave birth! It's a beautiful baby boy! We haven't named him yet, but I submitted my vote for "Mosi" which means "first-born son" in honor of Kapuki's introduction to motherhood.

August 8th, 2007
Kapuki will be giving birth to her new baby any time now! We're expecting things will go well, but of course planning for the worst. I'll keep you updated as things happen.

July 2nd, 2007
I'm back from my research stay in Tanzania. Still very tired and recovering from a (thankfully!) minor bout of malaria, but I'm so glad to be back. Kapuki's pregnancy is coming along very well!

May 19th, 2007
Everything is back to normal. Eshe has chosen a mate and the troop seems to have handled the rough patches very well.

May 17th, 2007
Things were a little shaky today when one of the older males suddenly engaged Kapuki and another of the younger females. The younger female, Eshe, is in estrus but has already been courting a different male. We'll have to ask our behavioral specialist if he thinks we should intervene.

April 8th, 2007
It's confirmed! Kapuki is pregnant! We've been keeping a close eye on her recently due to her change in food preference and everyone was very concerned until we figured out what it was. We've switched Kapuki to her own special diet that will make her more comfortable with her child. I can't wait!

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