Summary of A milestone a minute for Willie B. III:
Sherri, a member of the Gorilla Care Team at Zoo Atlanta, is excited about the newest addition to the gorilla family, Willie B. III. Gorilla babies are born unable to support themselves and are much smaller than humans. Their mother carries them until they are 3-4 months old; at this point, they start climbing on her back. Willie is not at this stage yet, but Shalia, his mother, supports him as he works on standing. Gorilla babies nurse until they are 2.5-4 years old and begin trying solid foods. Willie has already started to use his teeth and is increasing, developing more hair on his body. As he grows, he will get a patch of white hair on his backside, signaling to other troop members that he is an infant/adolescent and allowing him some leeway. Shalia has been a great mother to Willie, and the other gorillas in the group have also shown interest in him. Next, they expect him to start standing unassisted, crawling, and climbing onto Shalia’s back. Sherri is excited to watch Willie grow and celebrate his milestones with the care team at the zoo.
Summary:
1. Introduction to Sherri, a member of the Gorilla Care Team, and her excitement for Willie B. III’s milestones.
2. Description of the milestone timeline for a baby western lowland gorilla.
3. Highlights of Willie B. III’s growth and development, including weight, teething, hair growth, and the significance of a white patch on his backside.
4. Observations of Shalia’s mothering skills and interactions between Willie B. III and other gorillas in the group.
5. Expectations for Willie B. III’s following milestones include standing unassisted, crawling, and riding on Shalia’s back.
A Milestone a Minute for Willie B. III
Hello there, fellow animal enthusiasts! Today, I have an exciting tale about the incredible journey of a baby gorilla named Willie B. III at Zoo Atlanta. But before we dive into the heartwarming details, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sherri, and I proudly serve as a member of the Gorilla Care Team. I’ve been lucky to work with these majestic creatures for years. Still, Willie B. III has allowed me to witness the magical milestones of a gorilla baby for the first time. So, let’s embark together on this beautiful adventure and explore the fascinating aspects of Willie’s growth and development!
Our story begins on April 24, 2023, when Shalia, Willie B. III’s mother, gave birth to him around 11 am. You might find it interesting that while gorillas typically give birth in the evening, Shalia decided to do things her way by bringing little Willie into the world during the daytime. Size-wise, gorilla babies are pretty similar to human babies. At birth, they weigh around three pounds and, like their human counterparts, cannot support themselves independently. Shalia, her caring mother, carries her precious baby in her arms during his early months. It’s an absolute delight for us to witness her bonding with Willie as he works on standing and developing his core and leg muscles.
As we continue our tale, let’s talk about the fascinating world of gorilla nutrition. While gorilla babies nurse until they’re approximately 2.5 to 4 years old, they gradually begin exploring solid foods and nibbling on browse as their mothers start weaning them. Willie still has a way to go before reaching this autonomy, but I must share an adorable detail – he already has tiny teeth! Imagine my joy when I discovered his first erupted tooth on June 15, a mere 7.5 weeks after his birth. It’s astounding how quickly baby gorillas develop compared to human babies, and I can guarantee these milestones will fly by. In no time, Willie will grow significantly, sprouting more hair on his body and even sporting a patch of white hair on his backside. This unique trait serves multiple purposes, for it helps Shalia keep track of her adventurous offspring and signals to other troop members that he is still an infant/adolescent deserving of patience and understanding. One of my friends and fellow Gorilla Keepers call this patch a “free pass,” a signal to the other gorillas that Willie can be a little naughty without facing significant reprimands. However, as he grows older, the white spot will gradually disappear, and Willie will have to navigate the social dynamics of the troop without his “free pass.”
Now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge Shalia’s incredible mothering skills. She has been an exceptional parent to Willie, even when he gets covered in bits of food after one of Shalia’s meals. In addition to Shalia, the other females in the group have expressed interest in the young gorilla. Kamera, for instance, has been spotted gently touching Willie’s relatively large head, showcasing her curiosity and tenderness. On the other hand, Amari is a gorilla who lacks an understanding of personal space but has been observed getting remarkably close to Willie, taking in his scent with each delicate sniff. Shalia usually briefly allows these interactions before leading Willie to explore other parts of their habitat. On the topic of companionship, I must mention Willie B. Jr., Willie B. III’s first-time father. Observers have witnessed him sitting near Shalia and their little one, gently poking Willie’s head with his finger and sniffing him. It’s heartwarming to see this family bond growing and developing daily.
Now, you must wonder what the future has in store for Willie B. III. We can expect to witness him reaching significant milestones soon, such as standing unassisted, crawling around, and, at around four months old, climbing onto Shalia’s back. Oh, the joy of witnessing those precious moments when Willie gains more independence, and his mother regains her two free arms! It’s fascinating that different gorilla mothers exhibit unique parenting styles, allowing their infant’s various degrees of freedom to explore their surroundings. As we watch Willie grow and mature, we can’t help but be filled with anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. I sincerely hope you’re as thrilled as I am to be a part of Willie’s journey and celebrate his milestones alongside our care team here at Zoo Atlanta.
So, my friends, that brings us to the end of our story for today. I hope I’ve managed to ignite your curiosity and inspire you with the remarkable growth and development of Willie B. III. It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of his life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share his journey with all of you. Remember, nature never ceases to amaze us with its wonders, and the animal kingdom holds countless tales of breathtaking beauty. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and being captivated by the wonders of wildlife!
(Photo: Sherri K.)
Sherri K.
Keeper I, Primates
