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London Zoo is abuzz with excitement as keepers celebrate the arrival of a second critically endangered gorilla baby, just weeks after the birth of another infant.
The adorable newcomer, born to mother Effie, made its debut into the world at 7:44 pm on February 8, a mere three and a half weeks after the arrival of Mjukuu’s baby.
Effie’s labour, which commenced at around 7:04 pm, presented some challenges as the newborn arrived wrapped in its umbilical cord. However, dedicated keepers kept a vigilant watch over the weekend, ensuring the baby’s well-being, and are now pleased to report that the cord has safely fallen off.
Kathryn Sanders, London Zoo’s primates section manager, expressed elation over the new arrival, stating, “Everyone is over the moon.” She added, “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.
Sanders continued, “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 newborn, whose sex has yet to be determined, is a half-sibling to the baby born in January. Both infants share the same father, 19-year-old silverback Kiburi, who joined London Zoo’s conservation breeding program from Tenerife in November 2022.
Looking ahead, Kathryn Sanders expressed excitement about the bond that will develop between the two newborns, noting, “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!
The arrival of these two precious gorilla babies is a testament to the ongoing efforts of London Zoo’s dedicated team and their commitment to the conservation of critically endangered species. As these newborns continue to thrive under their care, they serve as beacons of hope for the future of their species.
