Baby Gorilla Makes Public Debut at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today announced that guests now have a chance to see the newborn gorilla and the rest of the troop daily at the Zoo’s Primate, Cat & Aquatics building.

Born on July 19 to mom, Kebi Moyo (32), and dad, Mokolo (36), the newborn Western lowland gorilla is only the second gorilla born at the Zoo in its 141 years after Kayembe, who was born in 2021. Kebi and the newborn have continued to show positive signs of development including nursing and bonding amongst the other members of the troop.

Weighing approximately 4 lbs. at birth, newborn gorillas are in almost constant contact with their mother for the first six months and nurse for about three years. During this time, Kebi and the infant may not be visible at times throughout the day based on their individual needs.   

A Gorilla Birth Brings Two Surprises for the Columbus Zoo

A newborn baby gorilla has arrived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, bringing two surprises that delighted the care team and are of great importance for the conservation of a critically endangered species.

Surprise #1: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's gorilla family recently welcomed a baby gorilla, a birth that was unexpected, yet exciting for the care team and important for the conservation of a critically endangered species.

Surprise #2: The baby's mother, 8-year-old Sully, was believed to be a male gorilla before this surprise birth.

Photo credit: Graham S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Howletts Wild Animal Park Announce Incredible World Record Which Will Almost Certainly Never Be Broken

Kent, 14 June 2023: Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, on June 14^th, officially marked the birth of its 150th baby gorilla, further cementing their status as the leading breeder of this precious species.

The young male, named Kumbi, was born in July 2022 and has spent the past few months forging a strong bond with his family and keepers. The increasingly confident baby gorilla can be seen in the gorilla enclosure alongside his family troop.

Her Name Is Zahra

Following Public Vote, the Western Lowland Gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Her Name

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) 2-week-old western lowland gorilla received her name today. After five days of voting and just over 25,000 votes, the winning name is Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili. It was one of three names that were offered for a public online vote from June 5 to June 9 on the Zoo’s website. Zahra received 12,071 votes—50% of the total votes. Lola [LOH-la], Yoruba for “greatness,” came in second with 7,894 votes, or 30% of the total. In third place was Mkali [M-KAH-lee], Swahili for “fierce,” which received 5,563 votes, or 20% of the total.

The Public Can Help Name a Baby Western Lowland Gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). Every western lowland gorilla birth is cause for celebration as this species is considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. This morning, primate keepers threw a party for the gorilla troop, and festive enrichment revealed that the newborn is female. Voters can select their favorite names today through noon Friday, June 9, on the Zoo’s website. The winning name will be announced June 9.

Western Lowland Gorilla Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

For the first time in five years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) are celebrating the birth of a western lowland gorilla—a critically endangered species. It was born between midnight and 6:15 a.m. on May 27 to 20-year-old mother Calaya and 31-year-old father Baraka. They bred in September 2022 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the second offspring for both parents.

IT’S A BOY! MEET WILLIE B., III

ATLANTA – May 9, 2023 – It’s a boy! The infant gorilla at Zoo Atlanta has been confirmed to be male, and has been named Willie B., III. The name follows the tradition of his father, Willie B., Jr., and his legendary grandfather, the late Willie B.

We Need To Talk About Bruno!

We’re catching up with Bruno, the now just over 2.5-month-old Gorilla Infant born at Fort Worth Zoo in November.

Baby Bruno is standing (with help from Mom)! Infant gorillas grow and develop much faster than human babies do, so although Bruno is only about 2.5 months old, he’s right on time! You’ll notice him squirming around a lot more these days, reaching out or crawling on his mom when she’s trying to nap.

A gorilla infant can control its head and neck movements shortly after birth and will be able to crawl at about 3 months old. 

Happy Birthday Kibibi!

Happy birthday, Kibibi! Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s "little lady" celebrated her 14th birthday yesterday, January 10^th, 2023. We’re turning back the clock with some archival footage highlights from herpast. First to 2009, the year of Kibibi’s birth. Then 2011, when 2-year-old- Kibibi received her first medical exam. And finally to 2020, when the staff dropped in on Kibibi’s husbandry training.

Look how far she’s come!

We can help western lowland gorillas like Kibibi by recycling. One of the metals inside electronic devices—tantalum—is mined from areas where gorillas live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We can protect their home—and reduce the need for more expansive coltan mining—by recycling our old electronics. Every small action has the potential to make a huge difference!

Video credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute