The Detroit Zoo celebrates the birth of a baby Gorilla, which also marks a historical moment in the zoo's 96-year history.
On August 9, 2024, the Detroit Zoo announced their resident Gorilla had given birth and the baby is so cute. Take a look!
On Instagram , the zoo shared a photo of the new baby Gorilla and explained why this birth is exceptionally historic.
Related: Gorilla Mom at Zoo Atlanta Sweetly Tries to Wrangle Her 'Wiggle Worm' Baby
"This precious moment marks a momentous occasion — Bandia is now the proud mother of the first gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in our 96-year history," the zoo shared.
The photo that was shared is of Bandia who is cuddling and nursing her sweet newborn, and the caption said both mama and baby are doing well.
"First-time mom Bandia brought her beautiful baby into the world at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. The baby is healthy and thriving under her attentive care," the caption continued.
"Our dedicated animal care team is ensuring that Bandia is receiving the best care during this time and that critical developmental milestones are being observed."
The zoo made some preparations ahead of the birth with the other animals, and specifically with the Gorilla dad, Mshindi.
"Father Mshindi and the rest of the gorillas received extra 'baby training' in anticipation of the birth," the zoo explained. "They are currently keeping their distance but seem very curious about the new addition to the troop."
For now, the zoo is making sure mama and baby have space to relax and bond. "To give Bandia and baby a calm and quiet place to bond, the Great Apes building and the gorilla’s outdoor habitat are temporarily closed to guests," the zoo explained, adding that we can "stay tuned" for more videos and photos of the sweet little baby.
In the comment section, people had all good things to say about the historic birth of the little Gorilla.
One wrote, "Ok, the fact that Dad and the others got extra baby training. Great job Detroit Zoo! Congratulations to Bandia and Mshindi."
Someone else added, "Welcome sweet baby! Look forward to watching you learn and grow."
Another shared, "Omg this is fantastic news!! Congratulations!"
A TikTok user added, "Congratulations Bandia, Mshindi, and the Detroit Zoo, I am so excited for this new adventure."
One wrote, "Congrats Detroit on this momentous occasion."
Gorillas Are Considered 'Critically Endangered'
At the Detroit Zoo there are four gorillas — now five — which is great for the conservation because the species is listed as Critically Endangered , according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature.
"Their numbers declined by 19.4% between 2005 and 2013, corresponding to an annual loss of approximately 2.7%," the IUCN states. "By the end of 2018, numbers will decline by a further 13.5% to roughly 316,000 individuals."
The IUCN says there area few reasons why the Gorilla population is on the decline including poaching, disease, habitat destruction, and climate change.
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