The National Zoo in Washington DC has joyfully announced the arrival of a second baby gorilla, born to proud parents Calaya and Baraka, the western lowland gorillas resident at the zoo. Their infant made its grand entrance in the early hours of Saturday, May 27. The animal care team was pleased to observe the baby nursing healthily and appearing strong, with Calaya displaying maternal tenderness as she cradled her newborn close. The gender of the infant remains unknown for now, as the gorilla family will be given time to bond privately.
This heartwarming event follows two years after the birth of Calaya and Baraka’s first offspring, Moke, who has blossomed into an energetic and playful youngster, much adored by his mother and troop. The second baby’s birth was smoother for Calaya; she went into labor late on Friday, May 26, and successfully delivered her baby by the following morning.
To respect the bonding period between Calaya and her newborn, the Great Ape House, their dwelling within the zoo, is temporarily closed to the public. It is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, May 30, when visitors will be welcomed back to greet the latest addition to the zoo’s western lowland gorilla troop.
Calaya has demonstrated exceptional maternal instincts with Moke, providing attentive and nurturing care essential to his early development. A similar bonding process is expected to occur within their extended gorilla family, where all members contribute to the young’s nurturing, teaching, and protection.
In the broader context of the animal kingdom, gorillas are among our closest relatives, sharing 98% of our DNA. Their social structures, behaviors, emotions, and intelligence bear a striking resemblance to human traits. Gorillas exhibit tool use, problem-solving abilities, communication through gestures and vocalizations, and a wide range of emotions, including empathy, love, and grief.
The birth of this baby gorilla is a testament to the National Zoo’s dedication to gorilla conservation. The zoo participates in the Gorilla Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding and conservation initiative to sustain a genetically diverse population of this critically endangered species. Western lowland gorillas face severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and trafficking, with their population falling by over 60% in the last two to three decades.
The arrival of Calaya and Baraka’s second baby is a significant step towards increasing the gorilla population and reflects the zoo’s commitment to species conservation. The National Zoo is indispensable in combatting habitat destruction and illegal trafficking of gorillas, offering a sanctuary, facilitating breeding programs, and promoting education to raise awareness of these magnificent creatures’ plight.
In summary, the birth of a new baby gorilla at the National Zoo is a momentous occasion, underscoring the invaluable work done by the zoo in protecting and conserving gorillas, both in captivity and the wild. Despite the temporary closure of the Great Ape House, the public eagerly awaited to return and meet the latest member of the gorilla family. As we witness the growth and bonding of this new family, we are reminded of the crucial role that zoos play in preserving some of the most endangered species on our planet.
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Summary of Description:
The National Zoo in Washington DC has announced the birth of a baby gorilla, the second child of parents Calaya and Baraka. The baby appears healthy, but its sex is as yet undetermined as its mother is cradling it closely. The zoo’s Great Ape House is closed to allow Calaya and her offspring to bond but will reopen on May 30.
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Source Description
A new #GorillaStory chapter has begun! We are delighted that Calaya and Baraka welcomed their second baby early on Saturday, May 27. The primate team reports that the family is doing well. They have observed the baby’s nursing, which appears healthy and strong. Because Calaya is cradling her newborn closely, it may take time for the staff to determine its sex.
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The Great Ape House is currently closed to give Calaya and her infant a quiet space to bond. It will reopen Tuesday, May 30. Join us in welcoming the newest member of our western lowland gorilla troop!
