Blogs & News

A critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio over the weekend. The baby, mothered by Sue, is her first child and has already captured hearts with its tiny hands and big brown eyes. This birth represents a significant milestone for the conservation of the species, whose population has declined by over 60% in the last 25 years due to disease and hunting. The zoo is carefully monitoring the mother and baby, allowing them to bond without disturbance. This new addition highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain genetic diversity and protect endangered species through programs like the Species Survival Plan.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently celebrated the birth of a western lowland gorilla, an event marked as a crucial step in conservation efforts. The newborn, whose gender remains undetermined, is the first child of Sue, a gorilla who has been a resident at the zoo since 2014. Sue has shown exemplary maternal instincts, cradling and nuzzling her baby, which has tiny hands and captivating brown eyes.

Audra Meinelt, curator of the zoo's Congo Expedition region, expressed the significance of this birth. "With tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes that melt our hearts, this baby is absolutely precious — in regard to both the cuteness factor and what the baby represents for this species' future," she stated.

The Columbus Zoo has decided to wait before determining the baby's gender to ensure minimal disruption to the bonding process. Meanwhile, the baby's father, Ktembe, and other gorillas, Nia and Cassie, have been giving Sue and her newborn ample space. The zoo's care team is maintaining a careful distance, ensuring the new family has the best environment for bonding.

If the newborn is a boy, it could grow to weigh between 300 and 500 pounds and stand up to 6 feet tall. If it is a girl, it will likely weigh between 150 and 200 pounds and reach a height of 4.5 feet. This information, provided by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, underscores the potential size and strength of the new addition.

Jamani, a 4-year-old gorilla and sibling to the newborn, has shown keen interest in the new arrival, although her eagerness for playtime has been gently curbed by the other members of the troop. The interactions within the group are closely watched to ensure a smooth integration of the new baby.

Sue's journey to the Columbus Zoo began at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, where she was born in 2004. Ktembe, born in 2017 at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., joined the Columbus Zoo a few years later. Their pairing was a strategic decision by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of endangered species.

The Columbus Zoo holds a distinguished place in gorilla conservation history. It was the birthplace of Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo, who lived a remarkable 60 years. Since then, 35 gorillas have been born at the Columbus Zoo, each contributing to the ongoing efforts to preserve this endangered species.

While Sue has adapted well to motherhood, this is not always the case with other gorillas. Recently, Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo experienced a contrasting situation. A baby gorilla born there was not receiving appropriate maternal care from its mother, Akenji, despite extensive training provided to her. The care team had to intervene and is currently hand-rearing the baby. Rachel Vass, interim animal care manager at Woodland Park Zoo, expressed disappointment and surprise at Akenji's lack of maternal instincts but noted the positive health and growth of the newborn under their care.

The plight of the western lowland gorilla remains dire, with their population declining sharply due to diseases and hunting pressures. The Smithsonian National Zoo highlights this alarming trend, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The birth of Sue's baby at the Columbus Zoo is a beacon of hope in the fight to save western lowland gorillas. It underscores the importance of zoos and conservation programs in protecting endangered species and maintaining genetic diversity. Each successful birth and subsequent care of these animals bring the world one step closer to preserving these majestic creatures for future generations.

As Sue continues to nurture her newborn, the Columbus Zoo remains vigilant in its efforts to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the baby gorilla. This new life serves as a reminder of the critical role that conservation plays in ensuring the survival of endangered species and the ongoing need for public awareness and support in these endeavors.