Baby Gorilla born at Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo have announced the birth of a baby western lowland gorilla.
The baby was born to first-time mother Kafi and father Bangui on the 1st of April.
Keepers have been unable to determine the gender because Kafi hasn't let the baby go since birth.
Team Leader of the African Plains Helen Clarke-Bennett commented;
'Kafi is doing a fantastic job so far as a first-time mother, keeping the young baby physically close in these crucial early stages.'
'Bangui is proving to be an attentive father and at night has been sleeping close to Kafi and the baby.'
She says, 'Kafi seems comfortable and at ease and we expect her to mix with the rest of the gorilla troop very soon.'
Kafi arrived at Dublin Zoo in 2012 and has has witnessed other female gorillas give birth and raise their young.
'This has been a huge help in teaching Kafi how to look after her own baby.'
'This new birth is a great step forward for this critically endangered species.'
Bangui arrived at Dublin Zoo in 2018 following the death of long-time alpha male ‘silverback’ Harry.
The term ‘silverback’ is because of the silvery white hair on an alpha males back and hips.
Bangui was quickly accepted as the new alpha-male of the troop and has begun his transformation into a silverback gorilla.
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