Pictures of a mother gorilla in Bristol Zoo holding her newborn baby are going viral. The baby gorilla was born on August 19. When the baby was less than two weeks old, a zoo photographer caught the sweet moments between the baby and its mother on film.
The baby, who hasn’t been named yet, can be seen lovingly looking up at mom and also trying to steal snacks from her. But Kala, who is 9 years old, is able to get the baby to drink her milk instead.
Bristol Zoo said back in August. Bristol Zoo said back in August. “The baby was born naturally overnight while mom, Kala, was just a few meters away and dad, Jock, and the rest of the family were close by,” Bristol Zoo said back in August.
More info: Bristol Zoo
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Lynsey Bugg, the Curator of Mammals at Bristol Zoo, said of the baby’s arrival, “We are all thrilled.” “There’s something very special about seeing a baby gorilla for the first time. They are such famous and interesting species.
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Lynsey says that both Kala and her baby are doing well. Kala moved to the zoo from Germany in 2018, and her baby was born in 2019. “She is very careful with her baby and takes good care of it,” she said. It’s still very early, but we’re cautiously hopeful. Early signs are good, and the baby seems to be healthy and of a good size.
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Kala’s first child, who was born in September of last year, died when he was less than a week old. The mother gorilla had to have an emergency cesarean section because her placenta was so low that it blocked the birth canal and stopped the baby from coming out on its own.
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The zookeepers and vets shut down the Gorilla House to give the mother and her baby the time and space they needed to bond, but the baby did not do well.
Kala’s recent pregnancy went well, and it’s clear that the two are enjoying their time together.
In a press release, Bristol Zoo said, “The new gorilla will join our group of six gorillas.” This is part of a breeding program to help protect the future of western lowland gorillas. “
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Western lowland gorillas are now so rare that they are almost extinct. Cameroon is in West Central Africa, which is where they come from. Many gorillas are killed in the wild by hunters who are taking part in the bushmeat trade.
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But the baby’s gender is still a mystery. “The baby looks very strong and healthy, and its hair is growing and it is becoming more alert.” “Kala continues to hold the baby very close, which makes it harder to confirm its sex, but we hope to be able to announce the baby’s sex soon,” says a press release from the Bristol Zoo.
Image credits: Caters News
Image credits: Caters News
It looks like the baby is also getting close to other gorillas: “The baby’s half-siblings, Afia and Ayana, continue to show a lot of interest in the newest member of the family troop, which is great news because we are sure that the youngster will soon be a great playmate for them.” It’s also a great way for them to learn the skills they’ll need when they have children of their own. “
Image credits: Caters News
Image credits: Caters News
Be sure to share the heartwarming story of Kala and her baby, and see a video of them below.
