Big things happening at Woodland Park Zoo this week as teams work around the clock to care for this new baby gorilla. This as-yet-unnamed sweet girl joined the family of animals on Friday, January 29, 2021.
The zoo gave more specifics on their blog: "We're thrilled to welcome the newest member of our western lowland gorilla family. After an eight to nine month pregnancy, 24-year-old Nadiri gave birth... The newborn is the second baby for Nadiri, and the first between her and dad, 21-year-old Kwame."
Those first 72 hours are critical, and the baby made it through, but Nadiri as a second time mom didn't immediately take to the baby - her maternal instincts not switching on. Zoo staff will continue to help the two bond. Eventually, baby gorilla's sister, Yola, and mama who went through the same connectivity issues, got it sorted out and grew together.
The Woodland Park zoo is open by reserved tickets only and in limited capacity during COVID-19 and is such a fun escape from the grind that weighs so heavily upon us. If you go, my favorite part is in the north east corner where these knuckleheads love to play: