News / Animals
Baby gorilla named
A gorilla born in a rare C-section at Bristol Zoo has been named Afia by popular vote.
The tiny western lowland gorilla emerged outside for the first time on Wednesday, tucked inside a keeper’s sling.
Afia, who is not on show at the zoo, made her debut outing on the island enclosure where keepers are slowly introducing her to the sights and smells of the outdoors.
is needed now More than ever
Her name, which means ‘Friday born child’ in Ghanaian, was a firm favourite over 9,000 votes received from the public.
Lynsey Bugg, one of the team members looking after the baby, said: “Her introduction to the outdoors proves she is becoming stronger and more confident.
“She spent a lot of time looking around and taking in her surroundings while snuggled in the sling, and it is this type of stimulation that is imperative to her development.”
Since Afia’s birth, her mother Kera has suffered with anaemia and, at times, has been critically ill. Vets say she is continuing to recover well.
It is not yet known whether Afia will be accepted by her mother, however another female gorilla, Romina, is showing strong maternal signs towards her, and may end up fostering the infant.
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