An adorable endangered baby gorilla has been born at Taronga Zoo, much to the delight of both zookeepers and his mother and father.
The male Western Lowland Gorilla was born to mum Mbeli and father Kibali last Friday afternoon at 1.40 at the zoo in Sydney.
Zoo staff are ecstatic with the new arrival, especially given the species are endangered.
An adorable endangered baby gorilla has been born at Taronga Zoo, much to the delight of both zookeepers and his mother and father
The male Western Lowland Gorilla was born to mum Mbeli and father Kibali last Friday afternoon at 1.40 at the zoo in Sydney
Zoo staff are ecstatic with the new arrival, especially given the species are endangered. Mother Mbeli is pictured with the newborn
Primate Keeper Alison Smith said both mother and baby are doing well.
‘Mbeli is a very relaxed and confident mother. Her mother was a fantastic role model for her so she has taken that on and is really attentive toward the baby.
‘In turn the baby is getting stronger every day,’ she said.
Both gorillas are being closely watched by zookeepers and veterinarians, and have been joined in keeping a keen eye on the new baby by an inquisitive big brother, MJ.
‘MJ was present during the birth and he will be excited to start playing with his brother when he gets a little bit older.’
The new addition means there are now seven Western Lowland Gorillas at Taronga Zoo.
Both gorillas are being closely watched by zookeepers and veterinarians, and have been joined in keeping a keen eye on the new baby by an inquisitive big brother, MJ
Western Lowland Gorillas are critically endangered and the long-term survival of the species is under threat due to deforestation, poaching and disease outbreaks
The new baby is yet to be named, and a competition will be held over the next two weeks to find him an appropriate moniker
Western Lowland Gorillas are critically endangered and the long-term survival of the species is under threat due to deforestation, poaching and disease outbreaks.
Minister for Environment Gabriel Upton said the birth was ‘such exciting news’.
The new baby is yet to be named, and a competition will be held over the next two weeks to find him an appropriate moniker.
Those who are keen to catch a glimpse of him are advised to attend gorilla feeding sessions at 10.45am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm at the zoo.
Those who are keen to catch a glimpse of him are advised to attend gorilla feeding sessions at 10.45am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm at the zoo
Primate Keeper Alison Smith said both mother and baby are doing well, and the baby is getting stronger every day