The Columbus Zoo has warmly welcomed the arrival of a critically endangered western lowland baby gorilla, creating excitement and hope among the zoo staff and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The newborn gorilla was delivered early on a quiet Saturday morning to first-time mother Sue and experienced father Ktembe, as detailed in a statement from the Columbus Zoo.
“The Zoo’s dedicated Animal Care team has been closely monitoring the little family. Sue, the new mom, is showing great care, continuously nuzzling and cradling her precious baby,” officials shared in the birth announcement. “To ensure a peaceful bonding period, the gender of the baby will be determined at a later time by the care team.”
Zookeepers report that the gorilla troop is adjusting well to their new addition. To provide them some privacy during this crucial bonding time, the indoor viewing habitat in the Zoo’s Congo Expedition region will be temporarily closed.
However, starting the coming Monday, guests will have the chance to visit the expanded gorilla family from 11 a.m. onwards throughout the day. Visitors might catch glimpses of the baby gorilla, though viewing isn’t guaranteed as the gorilla troop will have access to indoor habitats and behind-the-scenes areas. These limited hours will remain in place while the gorillas continue to adjust.
Audra Meinelt, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region, expressed her excitement, “For months, our care team has been diligently preparing for this special arrival, and we are overjoyed to finally welcome this significant new member. With its tiny hands and big, expressive brown eyes, this baby is not only incredibly cute but also vital for the future of the species. We are immensely proud of our care teams, who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and wellbeing for the gorillas, continuing the proud legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renowned gorilla program.”
The pairing of Sue and Ktembe was recommended by the Species Survival Plan, a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, aimed at maintaining genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in professional care.
Western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.
“Although habitat loss and deforestation have been the primary culprits for the dwindling numbers of Africa’s great apes, experts now agree that the illegal commercial bushmeat trade poses an even greater threat to ape populations, especially for western lowland gorillas,” zoo officials stated.
This newborn is notably the 35th gorilla to be born at the Columbus Zoo since 1956, the same year Colo, the first gorilla born in professional care worldwide, made history at this very zoo.
