The Audubon Zoo welcomes a newborn baby gorilla to the zoo’s family.
The critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born Friday September 4. This is the first gorilla born at Audubon Zoo in the past 24 years and is the first baby for 13-year-old mother “Tumani”.
"This is a momentous occasion for Audubon Zoo," said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO, Ron Forman. "We are thrilled to share this birth with our New Orleans community and contribute to the conservation efforts of this critically endangered species."
The zoo’s animal care staff are closely monitoring mother and her baby. The baby gorilla is the result of the zoo’s breeding program between Tunami and father, Okpara, a silver-back gorilla.
Audubon Zoo has created an online baby registry as a way for the public to get involved in the birth of the infant. Supporters can help shower Tumani and baby with nutritious food, engaging enrichment, and training materials carefully selected by Audubon Zoo's animal care and veterinary team.