Kinah’s Best Friend
Posted at 2:02 pm July 11, 2007 by Kecia SpearsKinah has completely adjusted to her new home in Ituiri Forest at the San Diego Zoo and couldn’t be a happier monkey (see Kecia’s previous blog, Kinah’s New Friends)! When looking for Kinah, you can find her with “Mom” Bunzi. As of late, however, she’s been spending more and more time with her best friend, Jaribu. Like all growing children, she’s beginning to prefer time with friends.
When Kinah first arrived at Ituiri Forest, she would only stray from Bunzi for short periods of time to play with Ota, an adolescent female, and Jaribu, an adolescent male. Being new to the surroundings, Bunzi and Kinah were hesitant to separate for too long or too far. It’s evident now how comfortable they are in their new home as this is no longer an issue.
Initially, Kinah had two best friends, Ota and Jaribu. Well, like most adolescent girls, Ota has developed a crush: she is smitten with the handsome Mr. Toad! Mr. Toad has taken a shine to Ota as well. This normally shy girl has developed a lot of confidence, has grown up a bit, and spends less time with little Kinah. Watching this group of primates, it’s interesting to note that their growing pains aren’t all too far removed from our own!
Jaribu, however, has remained a friend, and acts as a good big brother. I often see the two playing nonstop in games of chase or wrestling matches in which Jaribu is playful yet gentle with his little friend. Jaribu, normally the greediest of the bunch, shares with Kinah better than even Bunzi! Whenever I offer Kinah a bite of something to eat, Jaribu is nearby but never takes it from her whereas Bunzi is unabashed about pulling food straight from Kinah”s mouth! (Not to worry though. I weigh Kinah on a weekly basis and her weight is increasing at a healthy rate, so she’s getting her share. We still have the creep set up on exhibit as well to allow Kinah access to her own private food source.) In fact, just a couple of days ago I gave the monkeys apple slices on exhibit. Everyone grabbed handfuls, but little Kinah was too slow on this particular day. She headed to Bunzi, but Bunzi wouldn’t share. Kinah next headed for Jaribu. He had a couple of pieces of apple. While eating one, he willingly let Kinah take the other. Such a good boy! Kinah couldn’t ask for a better friend!
Kecia Spears is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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July 11th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Thank you Kecia. I have enjoyed every Kinah update you all have provided. She has gained so much since her initial not so good beginnings…a great surrogate mom, a family and now a caring big brother. Kudos to all of you for what you do!!
July 11th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Thank you so much, Kecia, for your heartwarming update! Your love for your charges really shine through. It’s great to see Bunzi and little Kinah settle in happily. Ota and Mr. Toad’s little ‘budding romance’ is delightful…and the Jaribu’s special relationship with little Kinah is so sweet. Please continue to keep us posted of this wonderful big family!
July 11th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
i know this has nothing what so ever to do with Kinah but i wanted to request for a reqeust on an update on Chukai the tapir calf from 2005
July 11th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Kecia, it is so great to hear how well the Swamp monkey groups have integrated better than anyone could have dreamed. To know that both Bunzi and Kinah are happy and accepted members of the new combined ” family” is a reward of unspeakable joy.
It sounds like it must be great fun to observe their behavior and interactions and especially to see how they all react to food and each other.
July 12th, 2007 at 6:36 am
Thank you for the wonderful update on Kinah and Bunzi. I am very happy to hear that Kinah has found a friend/big brother in Jaribu. I was smiling as I read that Jaribu shared his apples slices with Kinah. I’m sure you have had a nice big sigh of relief at the positive transition. I look forward to hearing more in the future.
July 12th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Kecia thank you for such a beautiful blog. It put a smile on my face and in my heart.
July 12th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Kecia, what a wonderful story, it brought joy to my heart to see such a happy outcome for little Kinah, the poor thing had a rough begining, but with alot of patience anf loving care kinah is thriving and I believe a little animal esp knew that she needed a little a little love and friendship and the result is a happy family.
July 12th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
I visited Kinah, Jaribu, and all the gang a few evenings ago and immensely enjoyed watching them. I tried really hard to take photos too, but came up with lots of blurs! They were so active and playful and with evening setting in, couldn’t get a fast enough shutter speed. The interaction between all the swamp monkeys was amazing to me and I was comforted in seeing how social and caring they were. Kinah is still a tiny little one, but is quick and seems to be quite smart. Her world at Ituri Forest is such a great playland–what a wonderful place for her to grow up, especially with good friends and exceptional caregivers.