Zoo welcomes birth of critically endangered baby gorilla; first in 13 years

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV/Gray News) - The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is welcoming the birth of a western lowland gorilla.

The zoo team said it welcomed the baby gorilla early Monday morning.

The baby and its mother, 32-year-old Asha, are doing well.

The animal care team said the baby has been hitting milestones such as nursing and clinging to its mother.

The baby’s father, Goma, is also showing interest in his newborn.

“Asha is sitting and lying down with the baby and gently patting its back, which is really adorable,” Ashton Asbury, animal keeper, said. “They’re bonding really well, and we have seen her licking the baby’s head and grooming it.”

According to the zoo, it has been almost 13 years since a gorilla was born at the facility, and this is Asha’s third baby and Goma’s first.

The sex and weight of the baby have not yet been determined, as the zoo team says they are allowing Asha to take the lead in caring for the baby.

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, and their numbers are still continuing to decline, the animal care team said.