A second critically endangered gorilla has been born at London Zoo, less than a month after the arrival of Mother Mjukuu's baby.
The western lowland gorilla baby, who has joined the zoo’s endangered species breeding programme, was born to mum Effie at 7:44pm on Thursday, February 8.
Effie went into labour at around 7:04pm on Thursday. She delivered her baby in the gym area of Gorilla Kingdom.
The Express reported that, unlike fellow mum Mjukuu, however, Effie’s birth was not as straightforward because the baby was born wrapped in its umbilical cord.
The baby gorilla was reportedly consistently monitored at the weekend in case the cord posed any risk to it. Much to the relief of the zoo’s gorilla keepers, there were no issues.
Both babies have been fathered by Kiburi, the zoo’s 19-year-old silverback.
Kiburi arrived at London Zoo from Tenerife in November 2022 as part of the conservation breeding programme. This preserves a genetically diverse and healthy population of the gorilla subspecies.
London Zoo’s Primates Section Manager, Kathryn Sanders, said as per the Express: “We’re over the moon to have a second gorilla infant born here at London Zoo in the space of a month — these babies are an important addition to the conservation breeding programme for this endangered species, and just as crucially, great additions to our troop.
“Effie and her baby kept us on our toes for the first 72 hours, as we wanted to make sure that the attached umbilical cord didn’t pose any risk to the newborn. It was a huge relief to see baby feeding, moving normally and to get a glimpse of its bright eyes peeking out from mum’s arms.
“The two youngsters will now grow up side by side, much like their older siblings Alika and Gernot did — they’ll love having a permanent playmate!”
This adorable baby western lowland gorilla has been born at London Zoo, part of its conservation programme - BBC Wildlife Magazine https://t.co/zw3zt9u41u
— JustNatalieK (@Just_Natalie_K) February 10, 2024
Zookeepers will not yet be able to confirm the sex of the infant. They will wait for Effie to give them a clear opportunity to do so.
Ms Sanders added: “It’ll take us some time to confirm the sex of our new arrival, and for now we will focus on letting mum and infant bond and the rest of the troop to get to know their new family member.”
The newborn helps to boost gorilla numbers and shine a spotlight on the critically endangered subspecies.
Due to poaching and disease, their wild numbers have declined by more than 60 per cent in the last 25 years.
As part of international conservation charity ZSL, London Zoo is increasing its conservation efforts to protect western lowland gorilla habitats in the West Congo Basin.
ZSL aims to put local communities at the heart of its conservation work. It says this will empower them to support the creation of alternative income streams for those who are otherwise reliant on the area’s natural resources.
The charity is also keen to support new land-use planning to reduce the impact of deforestation — to protect the home of gorillas and other threatened species in the area.
You can find out more about London Zoo and book a visit to its gorilla troop here.
