UPDATE:
Taronga Zoo keepers have now confirmed the new baby Western Lowland gorilla is a boy.
They said it was only when mum Frala was grooming the baby on Sunday afternoon that keepers spotted proof that the newborn was a male.
Primate Supervisor, Lou Grossfeldt, said: “We’re really excited that it’s a strong, healthy boy. He’s got strong neck muscles, he’s very active and alert and he’s looking around and watching the other gorillas. He’s suckling a lot from Frala so these are all very positive signs to see.”
“It’s interesting to see the other mother in the group, Mbeli, and her seven month old son Mjukuu coming over and showing interest in Frala and her baby. It’s great that these two half brothers will get to grow up together.”
We're still waiting on a name for the new addition to the group.
EARLIER STORY:
It’s a little late for Mother’s Day but a tiny Western Lowland Gorilla has been born at Taronga Zoo. The baby, born to Frala and Silverback Kibali, is the second born there in the last seven months.
Keepers are yet to determine the sex of the baby as mum is keeping the baby very close.
The new infant joins Mjukuu, the little male born to mother Mbeli, who was the first infant to be born to Taronga’s new gorilla group.
The zoo said Frala, 33, is a very experienced and successful mother having previously given birth to six gorillas, including two sons Fuzu and Fataki, to Taronga’s previous silverback, Kibabu.
Taronga Zoo Executive Director Cameron Kerr said the birth was vital for Taronga’s highly successful Western Lowland Gorilla breeding program.
“This newborn is the latest contribution to Taronga’s story of demonstrating the Zoo’s 360 degree approach to conservation including breeding, husbandry, in-situ programs, research and education,” said Mr Kerr.
Primate Supervisor, Lou Grossfeldt: said Frala had raised a number of infants before who are now living all around the world.
With just 100,000 Western Lowland Gorillas remaining in the wild, any additions to the family are valuable to world breeding programs for gorillas, helping insure against rapidly declining numbers in Africa.
They are under serious threat from hunting, poaching for the bushmeat and pet trades, forest clearance and illegal mining and the spread of infectious diseases including Ebola.
