Monday, July 28, 2008
A twin succumbs
Longitude: 29.6242  Latitude:-4.6696

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The situation for Gaia's new twins has grown both more complex and more distressing over the last few days. Sadly, one of the twins has died, sometime between yesterday evening and this morning. It's likely that this infant was in poor health from birth, but it is nonetheless an unhappy event.

Gaia (back to camera) sits with Gremlin, the infant twins and Gremlin's son Gimili. (Photo: A. Mosser/JGI)

And to add a new wrinkle to the situation, the field assistants believe and the records suggest that Gremlin is pregnant. She probably conceived in early January, and thus will be giving birth sometime around late August. We are all wondering what on earth she will do if she is still caring for Gaia's twins at that time.

Yesterday Gabo, Kadaha, and I were following the "G" family on the steep slopes rising from the south side of Kakombe. Gremlin was carrying Gaia's twins, traveling mostly tripedally, with some frightful ascents and descents from the trees. When she swung between branches, she seemed to be holding one infant up by keeping one leg close to her body. Gimli, Gremlin's 4-year-old boy, tagged along, while Gaia trailed behind the group. For a short time, Gremlin's 10-year old twins, Golden and Glitta, were also present while the family ate in a tall tree. One of the infants was crying frequently.

Gimli repeatedly tried to get a chance to suckle and screamed loudly when he couldn't. Gaia spent some time grooming Gremlin but made no attempt to take her infants.

Sad days at Gombe.

Contributor: Anna Mosser    Permalink    Comments(1)