A baby gorilla was born to mother Hlala-Kahilli in the early hours of yesterday – the 16th western lowland gorilla to be born there.
No one witnessed the birth, but staff arrived to see mother and baby enjoying a cuddle yesterday.Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust press officer Annabelle Lea said both Kahilli and her baby appeared to be doing extremely well.
She said: ‘In the Zoo, gorillas normally give birth during the peace and quiet of the night or the early morning.
Although it can be disappointing for keepers not to see the birth, the unusual presence of people throughout the night would be upsetting for the gorillas and may do more harm than good.’Mother and baby will now be given time together out of the public gaze, enabling staff to make sure that the baby is feeding properly.
