Tempus Fugit

Titus, father of more children than any gorilla on record

One of Dian Fossey's subjects, a silverback gorilla named Titus, finally succumbed after a short illness at the age of 35. Born in 1974, Fossey named him after the title character of Mervyn Peake's novel Titus Groan. Titus found himself under almost constant observation by scientists during his life in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, which saw him bond with a group of young male gorillas, where homosexual behaviour was the norm. He went on to oust a larger silverback to become the dominant male in what was believed to be the largest group of gorillas ever seen in the wild. Researchers also believe that Titus sired more children than any other gorilla on record. As is the way of these things his powers finally waned, and he was ousted by his son Kuryama, who eventually took control of the group. It was reported that Titus, far from being irked by the loss of his powers, assisted his son in managing the group and was still regarded, with respect, by the other gorillas.



I have heard of Titus over the years. Obviously quite a character. Can't wait for the book, as there's bound to be one.