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Baby gorilla born at Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its western lowland gorilla family.
A baby gorilla was born in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19 to nine-year-old Kala, with father Jock nearby. Keepers arrived at work to find the baby being held in Kala’s arms.
The birth of the new gorilla is an important step in securing a future for the critically endangered species.
is needed now More than ever
“We are all thrilled,” says curator of mammals, Lynsey Bugg. “There is something very special about seeing a new-born baby gorilla, they are such an iconic and charismatic species.
In the wild, western lowland gorillas are often hunted for their meat and their young are regularly taken and sold as pets – only to end up, in many cases, abandoned or dying of starvation.
Kala, who came to Bristol Zoo from Germany in 2018, is being “very attentive” with her new-born, and is taking good care of them.
“It’s very early days but we are cautiously optimistic,” says Lynsey. “The early signs are good, and the baby looks to be a good size and is strong.”
Bristol Zoo and the Wild Place Project, the Bristol Zoological Society’s second site, are now open to visitors via a prebooking system.
Keepers say that visitors should be able to see the new gorilla as they pass through the Gorilla House while using the zoo’s new one-way route.
Main photo: Bristol Zoo
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