Colorado, Dallas Zoos Welcome Newborn Gorillas After Years

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs recently celebrated the birth of a critically endangered western lowland gorilla, marking the first gorilla birth at the zoo in 13 years. The baby, whose sex and weight remain undetermined as caretakers allow the mother, 32-year-old Asha, to lead care, is bonding closely with her mother, who is showing nurturing behaviors such as patting and grooming. The father, 34-year-old Goma, a first-time dad brought to the zoo in 2016 as part of a species survival plan, is also showing interest in the newborn. This is Asha's third baby, and the zoo is letting her take the lead during the early weeks while the baby clings to her and gradually becomes familiar with Goma. Social media and zoo staff have expressed delight over the new arrival, highlighting the importance of this birth for conservation efforts given the species' continuing decline. Meanwhile, the Dallas Zoo also welcomed a baby gorilla recently, where the mother Megan is keeping the infant close, and the family is gradually adjusting to the new member.