The birth of a baby is always cause for celebration. A new life has come into the world and with it, all the joys and tribulations that can be found.

However, it’s not often the case that a newborn is charged with hopefully helping to continue the existence of a species.

But for one brand-new baby gorilla, they have given the Smithsonian’s National Zoo hope for the future of the critically-endangered western lowland gorillas. For the time being, though, the thrill of having a new infant has filled everyone with joy.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology  Institute announced the baby’s birth, the first in five years, for endangered species.

Baraka, left, and Calaya, enjoy bonding time with their newborn baby. Photo by Smithsonian National Zoo

“We are overjoyed to welcome a new infant to our western lowland gorilla troop,” Becky Malinsky, curator of primates, said in a statement.

Calaya is an experienced mother, and I have every confidence she will take excellent care of this baby, as she did with her first offspring, Moke. Since his birth in 2018, it’s been wonderful seeing her nurturing and playful side come out.” 

The baby, who has yet to be named, and whose sex is still undetermined due to the age and need for the baby to be with its mother constantly, is the second child for the gorillas. Baraka, the father, is 31-years-old, and Calaya is 20.

The gorillas were chosen through a specialized plan that helps scientists decide which animals have the appropriate temperament, health and other factors that would make them suitable to have a new child.

Calaya, the zoo said, is very protective and cautious, while Baraka is laid-back and playful. The statement said the father has been “very tolerant of his 5-year-old son, (Moke’s) antics,” per the statement. Moke, the pair’s other child, is rambunctious and spends time playing pranks on other gorillas, and trying to keep the attention of the zookeepers, the zoo said. The staff are excited to see how Moke interacts with his new sibling.

Calaya enjoys bonding time with her newborn baby. Photo by Smithsonian National Zoo

Western lowland gorillas are typically native to central and western Africa, in the rainforests. According to the Smithsonian, adult males typically eat up to 45 pounds a day of food, and can weigh up to 500 pounds and grow to six feet tall. Females are much smaller, at 150 to 200 pounds and standing 4.5 feet tall. 

According to the World Wildlife Organization, the gorilla population has declined by more than 60 percent over the past 25 years. Poaching, as well as destruction of their habitat, has led to the critical endangerment of the species.

So all of this means that the fate of the gorillas is a bit brighter.

“Every new birth contributes to the conservation of this species,” Malinsky said.

Watch below for a glimpse of the amazing little baby and the mama.

Source: Smithsonian