ROYAL OAK, Mich. — It’s a baby — gorilla.
The Detroit Zoo in suburban Detroit said the birth Thursday was the first in its 96-year history.
“Bandia had a very smooth pregnancy, which is so important for a first-time mom,” said Tami Brightrall, the zoo’s associate curator of mammals.
The baby gorilla doesn’t have a name yet, and the sex has not been determined. The newcomer now four other gorillas at the zoo, including Bandia and father Mshindi, all of which arrived a year ago.
Staff worked for months to prepare the troop, even carrying a stuffed gorilla around the habitat to demonstrate how to carry the baby, Brightrall said.
“Our teams also taught the gorillas how to gently touch the stuffed animal, pick it up off the ground and bring it to a member of the team over at the mesh barrier,” she said.
The public won’t immediately see the gorillas.
“The area will reopen once the animal care team determines mom and baby have had enough time to bond and become comfortable in their habitat,” said Melissa Thueme, a mammal supervisor.
The Detroit Zoo recently welcomed a new addition to its family – a baby gorilla, the first to be born at the zoo in its 96-year history. The baby gorilla, whose gender has not yet been determined, was born to 18-year-old mother Kivu and 29-year-old father Nkosi.
The birth of this baby gorilla is a significant milestone for the Detroit Zoo, as it marks the first successful birth of a gorilla in nearly a century. Gorillas are an endangered species, with their populations declining due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. The birth of this baby gorilla is a positive sign for the conservation efforts being made to protect these magnificent animals.
The staff at the Detroit Zoo are thrilled with the arrival of the baby gorilla and have been closely monitoring its progress. The baby gorilla is currently bonding with its mother and receiving round-the-clock care from the zoo’s dedicated team of animal care experts.
Gorillas are highly social animals, living in close-knit family groups led by a dominant male silverback. The birth of this baby gorilla is not only a cause for celebration for the Detroit Zoo, but also for the entire gorilla population.
Visitors to the Detroit Zoo will have the opportunity to see the baby gorilla and its family in their habitat, where they can observe the natural behaviors of these incredible animals. The zoo also offers educational programs and conservation initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of protecting gorillas and their habitats.
The birth of the first baby gorilla at the Detroit Zoo is a momentous occasion that highlights the zoo’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving endangered species and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.
