Geriatric at Thirty

Alpha, a gorilla at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, was such a big flirt, scientists there were worried she might become pregnant even though at 45, in human terms she was 70. Ramar, a younger male, was the object of her attentions.

"It's not uncommon for female gorillas to strut about, purse their lips and throw glances at the male to let him know they are in estrus and would be receptive to his attentions," said Sylvia Atsalis, a staff primatologist at Brookfield. "But Alpha is particularly unabashed in this regard."

Because Ramar seems most interested in younger females, her attempts often fail, perhaps leading her to try harder. She sits close to him and stares into his eyes. She throws hay in his face. She tries...

They launched a study, which has determined that animals as well as humans go through menopause.

(You may need the print edition for this, page 20.) Check out the picture with the male gorilla.

Priceless.