![]() ![]() The Gorilla Species Survival Plan manages 354 gorillas in 48 North American zoos to ensure a genetically diverse population and the long-term sustainability of the species. Alafia is also receiving daily training to prepare her in the event that she would need to help Tumani care for the infant or act as a foster mother.Īudubon Zoo’s gorillas are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. “There are many risks involved with gorilla births, especially in a troop unfamiliar with an infant, but we are working with the entire troop to ensure they are ready for the new addition.”Īs they do with all primate moms-to-be, Zoo animal care staff are working with Tumani through daily training and enrichment activities to prepare her to be comfortable with the possibility of staff assisting her with feeding or caring for the infant. “We are working closely with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ gorilla birth plan to guarantee that Tumani and the infant are receiving the best prenatal care,” said Audubon Zoo’s Senior Veterinarian Dr. The infant will be welcomed by the rest of the troop: females Alafia, who raised her own offspring at Woodland Park Zoo, and Praline, the last gorilla infant born at Audubon Zoo in 1996. Tumani's birth window for the infant is July 15 through August 20. ![]() The offspring, due in late summer, will be Tumani and Okpara’s first. This pregnancy is the result of successful breeding between Tumani and Okpara, a 26-year-old silverback gorilla, who came to Audubon from Franklin Park Zoo in 2017. This will be the first gorilla birth at Audubon Zoo in 24 years and the first offspring for 13-year-old Tumani, who came to Audubon from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2017. Recycling electronics that contain tantalum-including cell phones, computers, tablets, cameras, gaming consoles, hearing aids and GPS navigation systems-can help protect gorilla habitat by greatly reducing the demand for more expansive coltan mining.One of Audubon Zoo’s critically endangered western lowland gorillas is expecting. Coltan excavation has resulted in gorilla habitat destruction, and many of the apes fall victim to poachers because of this practice. Tantalum is extracted from the ore Columbite-tantalite (commonly known as coltan). The public can help protect western lowland gorillas’ natural habitat by making environmentally conscious decisions like recycling. One of the metals inside electronic devices, tantalum, is mined from areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where gorillas live. Scientists estimate that in the past 20 to 25 years, the number of wild western lowland gorillas has decreased by 60%. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the western lowland gorilla as critically endangered due to habitat loss, disease and poaching. Native to Africa, western lowland gorillas live in the forests of Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. Great Ape House visitors can see the Zoo’s troop and meet an animal keeper to learn about the fascinating world of gorillas at 11:30 a.m. In addition to this baby, Calaya and Baraka, other members of the troop include the newborn’s brother, 5-year-old Moke, as well as a 41-year-old female named Mandara and her 14-year-old daughter, Kibibi. Gorillas live in groups, called troops, that are typically composed of a silverback male, one or more blackback males, several adult females and their infant and juvenile offspring. Virtual visitors can follow #GorillaStory updates on NZCBI’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the baby’s milestones. ![]() The newborn appears to be healthy and strong, and staff are cautiously optimistic that she will thrive. Animal care staff have observed Calaya nursing the baby, who has been clinging closely to her mother. This baby is the second offspring for both 20-year-old mother Calaya and 31-year-old father Baraka. Zahra : Swahili for “beautiful flower”.The name that receives the most votes will be bestowed on the baby. The three possible name choices were selected by the primate keepers. The winning name will be announced June 9. Voters can select their favorite names today through noon Friday, June 9, on the Zoo’s website. This morning, primate keepers threw a party for the gorilla troop, and festive enrichment revealed that the newborn is female. ![]() Every western lowland gorilla birth is cause for celebration as this species is considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. Western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). (Photo by Jen Zoon, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute) Pictured are Calaya and her newborn, Moke and Mandara. ![]()
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