A critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born on Friday at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. The newborn, whose gender is yet to be determined, marks a significant milestone for the breeding program aimed at preserving this endangered species.
This latest addition brings the total number of gorillas living at the zoo to 34, including six other western lowland gorillas. According to experts, there are only approximately 100,000 western lowland gorillas remaining in their native habitats in Africa due to poaching and habitat destruction.
The Birth of This Precious Being
The baby gorilla, born to 33-year-old mother Bebe, delivered the infant with the help of zoo staff. The birth was observed through a live camera feed by researchers and zookeepers who were closely monitoring both the mother and baby’s health.
This is Bebe’s fifth child, and she has proven to be an excellent caregiver in the past. Greg Bell, Vice President of Animal Care at Columbus Zoo, said that “Bebe is such a great mom. She continues to exhibit all the wonderful maternal behaviors that we are looking for.”
Importance of This Birth
This newborn gorilla brings hope to the critically endangered species, which is facing extinction due to various threats. The Columbus Zoo has been actively involved in gorilla conservation efforts, including participating in Species Survival Plans and supporting field conservation initiatives.
The birth of this baby gorilla also serves as a reminder of the critical role zoos play in preserving and protecting endangered species. Zoos around the world have become key players in maintaining genetically diverse captive populations that can be used for reintroduction programs.
Future Plans for This Gorilla
The zoo staff will continue to monitor this newborn closely, ensuring that it receives proper care from its mother and reaching important milestones such as nursing and bonding with its family. Once the infant is old enough, it will join its family in the Gorilla World habitat at the zoo.
Additionally, this newborn’s genetic information will be added to a database that tracks western lowland gorillas in zoos worldwide, aiding in making informed breeding recommendations to maintain genetic diversity.