London Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a second critically endangered baby gorilla in just under a month. The western lowland gorilla baby was born on February 8 to mother Effie and was delivered in the gym area of Gorilla Kingdom at 7.44pm.
While the sex of the baby gorilla is yet to be determined, the staff at London Zoo are thrilled by the new addition. This follows the earlier birth of another infant to a gorilla named Mjukuu just three and a half weeks prior.
The birth of Effie's baby was not without complications, as the infant was born wrapped in its umbilical cord. Fortunately, the cord has since detached and the baby is feeding and moving normally. It's a huge relief for the zookeepers, who closely monitored the situation for the first 72 hours to ensure the newborn's safety.
Kathryn Sanders, the primates section manager at London Zoo, expressed her excitement about the arrival, stating, 'We're over the moon to have a second gorilla infant born here at London Zoo in the space of a month.' These newborns play a vital role in the conservation breeding program for this endangered species, and they are wonderful additions to the existing gorilla troop.
Currently, the zoo staff are allowing Effie and her baby time to bond before confirming the sex of the adorable newcomer. Visitors who wish to see the gorilla troop and learn more about London Zoo can find additional information at www.londonzoo.org.
The births of these two critically endangered baby gorillas are cause for celebration, as they contribute to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting this threatened species. London Zoo should be commended for their dedication to preserving and safeguarding wildlife for future generations to enjoy.
