Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla Born At Smithsonian’s National Zoo

FRONT ROYAL, VA — For the first time in five years, a critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute on Sunday, facility staff announced in a release.

The infant was born early May 27 to 20-year-old mother Calaya and 31-year-old father Baraka, the zoo announced. This is the second offspring for both parents.

"We are overjoyed to welcome a new infant to our western lowland gorilla troop," Becky Malinsky, the National Zoo's curator of primates, said in a release. "Calaya is an experienced mother, and I have every confidence she will take excellent care of this baby."

Native to Africa, western lowland gorillas live in the forests of Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo.

According to the National Zoo, the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the western lowland gorilla as critically endangered due to habitat loss, disease, and poaching. Scientists estimate that in the past 20 to 25 years, the number of wild western lowland gorillas has decreased by 60 percent.

According to the zoo's release, animal care staff are "cautiously optimistic" the newborn will thrive. The infant, whose sex has yet to be determined, is "clinging closely to its mother" while staff leaves Calaya and the newborn to bond.

Zoo staff closed the Great Ape House through Tuesday to allow time for mother and baby to bond, according to the release.

In October, zookeepers confirmed Calaya had successfully conceived, nearly four years after the birth of son Moke.

"Keepers are most excited to see how Moke will react to and interact with his new sibling —especially once the baby becomes active and independent," staff said in the release.

Calaya and her infant will be on exhibit when the Great Ape House reopens, staff said; however, it's possible Calaya may choose to spend time in a more private location while the newborn grows. If Calaya is not on view when the Great Ape House reopens, visitors may still see the Zoo’s other gorillas, Baraka, Mandara, Kibibi, and Moke starting at 11:30 a.m. daily.