Exciting news from the London Zoo! A critically endangered western lowland gorilla named Mjukuu just became a mom for the second time on January 17. Picture this: after only 8-and-a-half months of pregnancy and a super quick 17-minute labor, Mjukuu welcomed her tiny newborn.
The heartwarming photos show Mjukuu cradling her baby, and even the other young gorillas, Alika and Gernot, came over to check out the adorable new addition.
Why is this such a big deal? Well, western lowland gorillas are in serious danger, classified as critically endangered. The zookeepers, doing their usual morning routine, noticed Mjukuu in labor and decided to give her some space while keeping an eye on her through CCTV cameras.
London Zoo’s Primates Section Manager, Kathryn Sanders, shared the excitement, saying, “After a very quick labor, Mjukuu was spotted on camera tenderly holding her newborn, demonstrating her wonderful mothering instincts – cleaning her infant and checking it over.” It’s not just a sweet moment; it’s a reminder of the importance of protecting these incredible animals. 🦍💚
Here’s more fascinating news! The adorable newborn gorilla at the London Zoo is the offspring of Kiburi, a western lowland gorilla who joined the zoo from Tenerife in November 2022 as part of a global conservation breeding effort.
This international program is all about preserving and enhancing the genetic diversity and health of the western lowland gorillas, a subspecies facing a decline in numbers.
Kathryn, the Primates Section Manager, expressed overwhelming joy, saying, “To say we’re happy about this new arrival would be a huge understatement. We’ve all been walking around grinning from ear to ear.”
Now, the focus is on giving the new mom and baby the time and space they need to bond, while allowing the rest of the gorilla troop to get acquainted with their adorable new member. The excitement is contagious, with everyone, gorillas included, unable to resist gazing at the precious baby. 🌟🦍