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Species: Gorilla

Use: N/A

Authors: M. P. Hoff, R. D. Nadler & T. L. Maple.

Methods: One/zero sampling, focal sampling.

Publications/Presentations: M. P. Hoff, R. D. Nadler & T. L. Maple (1981b). Development of infant play in a captive group of low-land gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). American Journal of Primatology, 1, 65:72.

Behaviors

Infant solitary play: Initially consisted of ground slappingÉ at 7th month consisted of gymnastic play.

Mother-infant play: Typically involved gently nudging with finger, arm, or leg by the mother, and wrestling with and mouthing of the mother by the infant. Play was often exhibited in a discontinuous, reciprocal fashion.

Infant-infant play

Active social play: ÒRough and tumbleÓ play. Typically consisted of chasing, lunging, tacking, vigorous wrestling, falling on the other, and vigorous mock biting.

Moderate social play: Typically involved lying on the play partner, light bouncing on the partnerÕs stomach, or mild pulling.