A newborn gorilla was today pictured clinging to its mother two days after its birth – as Bristol Zoo keepers celebrated their second new arrival in less than six months.
Western lowland gorilla Touni gave birth naturally overnight on Tuesday in the Gorilla House, which sits at the heart of the popular attraction.
The latest addition was born only four months after another gorilla, Kala, gave birth to Hasani, who is being hand-reared by keepers after his mother struggled to care for him.
It is also Touni’s second baby, after she welcomed Ayana in April 2017.
Western lowland gorilla Touni gave birth naturally overnight on Tuesday in the Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo, which sits at the heart of the popular attraction
The latest addition was born only four months after another gorilla, Kala, gave birth to Hasani, who is being hand-reared by keepers after his mother struggled to care for him
The tiny newborn’s father Jock – the group’s silverback – was said to be nearby when Touni gave birth this week, alongside the rest of the couple’s family troop.
Keepers arrived on Tuesday morning to find Touni cradling the healthy baby in her arms, Bristol Zoo said.
The baby has not yet been named as those at the Zoo haven’t been able to see the gender of the newborn yet, a spokesman told MailOnline.
‘Once we know the sex we tend to involve our supporters in naming the baby,’ he added.
Nigel Simpson, Head of Animal Collections, added: ‘It is simply wonderful to see a new-born gorilla, they are so charismatic and such an iconic species.’
The zoo says the birth will help to safeguard the future of western lowland gorillas, which are critically endangered in the wild.
The tiny newborn’s father Jock was said to be nearby when Touni gave birth this week, alongside the rest of the couple’s family troop. Pictured: Touni with the newborn
It is also Touni’s second baby, after she welcomed Ayana in April 2017. Pictured: Touni today
Mr Simpson said: ‘Touni is an excellent mother and she is taking very good care of her baby.
‘All the early signs are positive and the baby looks to be strong and healthy.
‘We will be keeping a very close eye on both mother and baby as these early hours and days are so important.
‘This is also great news for Bristol Zoological Society, which operates both Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, as we are part of an internationally important breeding and conservation programme.’
The new gorilla joins the troop of seven others at Bristol Zoo, which are part of a breeding programme to help safeguard the future of western lowland gorillas.
The new gorilla joins the troop of seven others at Bristol Zoo, which are part of a breeding programme to help safeguard the future of western lowland gorillas
In August, Bristol Zoo welcomed another new gorilla, Hasani, who is being bottle-fed and tended for round the clock by zookeepers ahead of his reintroduction to the wider group.
His mother Kala, nine, was struggling to provide enough milk for the baby after his birth, though both were said to be doing well during the summer.
Lynsey Bugg, mammals curator at Bristol Zoo Gardens, said: ‘Hand-rearing any animal is not a decision we take lightly as our preference is always for an animal to be reared naturally by its own mother.
‘Sadly this doesn’t always happen and in this instance we decided that it was in the baby gorilla’s best interests for us to hand rear him to ensure he had the best chance of survival.’
Ms Bugg said keepers would do their best to treat him like a gorilla mother would, expecting him to hold on tight, and making gorilla vocalisations so his reintroduction into the group is as easy as possible.
She added: ‘It’s really important for him that he remains a familiar member of the group, as well as being used to all the sounds, sights and smells of the gorillas.’
In September last year, Kala lost her first infant after undergoing an emergency cesarean section and keepers are keen to ensure Hasani has the best chance of survival.
Ms Bugg said at the time: ‘We knew we were having a baby gorilla due and we’ve been on baby watch for a little while.
‘On Tuesday Kala looked nice and comfortable and not causing us any concerns or worries. I came in to find a brand new baby in the house. It was lovely.
‘Last year she did have a pregnancy and birth but it didn’t go as planned and unfortunately the baby didn’t survive.
‘We were a bit on tenterhooks this time round and it is so lovely that she was able to give birth naturally. and baby and mum are really well.
‘She’s a very attentive mother and very nurturing and you see lots of suckling from the baby, and the baby looks really strong and a good size.’
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered primates from Cameroon, in the west Central Africa region. Many wild gorillas are shot by hunters for the bush meat trade which thrives in towns and cities.
Bristol Zoo Gardens is actively involved in ensuring there is a strong population in human care.
Lowland gorillas, which can weigh up to 400lb as adults and stand up to 6ft tall, are usually not aggressive – unless disturbed.
