It's always the same. If we see someone or something on a daily basis, we hardly notice how it changes, grows, develops, and matures over time. Only after a longer pause will we notice changes and realise what they mean.
This has happened to me over this past summer with the gorilla troop. Whereas during the year we visit them regularly and see them virtually every day, it is harder to keep track of the developments in the pavilion during the holiday season. After a mind- and body-refreshing vacation without internet, mobile phone, and other modern-day amenities, one returns to a hectic world where colleagues speak about thing you don't understand, dozens of new e-mails lurk in the inbox, and urgent tasks befall you one after another.
Naturally, I tried to check from time to time how the gorillas were doing yet I was surprised when I saw Moja and Tatu at the end of summer. They both grew unbelievably. Moja is no longer a little baby. She has grown more robust and now weights 22 kg. She tries to behave like adults and imitates them. She walks with dignified like father Richard and displays broad shoulders. She has even learned Shinda's unique ballet-like posture on one leg at the back room window where she begs for treats from the keepers. A patch of white hair on her bottom has disappeared. She tends to sit down more often and, to our displeasure, performs fewer crazy tricks. Fortunately, she still retains a childlike soul. When she longs for the good old days, she goes cuddle with Kamba. She has remained playful and does not forget to interact with kids behind the glass wall. Our cameraman Khalil continues to enjoy her favour and we secretly envy him that Moja always comes to greet him gaily.
15 months old Tatu has been making good progress as well. He now weighs 12 kg, which is three kilos more than Moja at his age. He dares to challenge her and when his sister tries to snatch some of his food, he is able to defend it. He still likes to ride on Kijivu's back but leaves his mother more and more often, mostly to practice climbing skills. He won't miss any attraction in the pavilion. He is not afraid of heights or swings. He is quite strong and can hold by one hand. Often, he will climb up, hang somewhere and wait because he does not have a clue how to get down - in such cases, mum has to come and rescue the little adventurer. As soon as he gets over the dangerous situation, he sets off for another adventure, relying on the presence of willing rescuers in the enclosure ready to save him from trouble. Aunt Shinda regularly takes care of him and Kamba steals him for herself from time to time, too, to enjoy motherly duties and joys.
As the young ones grow up, the life of the troop is changing. No need to regret - that's life.
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