POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium happily announced the birth of a critically endangered gorilla.
The baby western lowland gorilla was born on June 29 to first-time mother Sue and father Ktembe.
The zoo does not know the sex of the baby yet as the gorilla's caretakers are giving space for the baby and Sue to bond. Sue is very attentive and provides excellent care to her little one, according to the zoo.
Ktembe and two other adult female gorillas are together with Sue and her baby but are also giving them space. Another young gorilla, 4-year-old Jamani, is more curious and is gently corrected by other members of the troop (a group of gorillas) if she gets a little too eager to play with her new half-sister.
While the troop is reportedly adjusting well, the indoor viewing habitats of the Zoo's Congo Expedition region will be closed for several days to provide the gorillas with some more privacy.
Starting on July 8, guests will be able to visit the newly-expanded gorilla family. Viewing opportunities will be from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The zoo does not guarantee that guests will be able to see the baby as the troop will have access to the indoor habitat and behind-the-scenes areas.
“For months, our care team has been busy preparing for the baby’s arrival, and we are thrilled that the time has finally come to welcome this important new addition. With tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes that melt our hearts, this baby is absolutely precious—in regard to both the cuteness factor and what the baby represents for this species’ future. We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who diligently work to provide the gorillas with top quality care and wellbeing while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renown gorilla program,” said Audra Meinelt, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region.
You can read more about the new gorilla and its parents here.