ZSL London Zoo Baby Gorilla!

Early days yet, but well done to all at ZSL, a male is the not the ideal outcome, here's hoping no problems introducing him to Kesho.
 
Wondering whether Chester may take him on when he is older? It's gonna take quite a few years before 'Heart of Africa' is built, maybe he will need to move around the same time as Chester try and source gorillas?

(That is of course supposing that everything will go well with him, as has been stated he is only a day old and it is too soon for anybody to say anything for sure).

Anyway, that is just the first thought that came into my head. Is it more likely he would stay with new females bough to London than be moved?
 
kiang said:
Early days yet, but well done to all at ZSL, a male is the not the ideal outcome, here's hoping no problems introducing him to Kesho.
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Well there you go, she had it at last...;) London's first baby gorilla since 1988. This baby's grandfather Kumba(at Chessington) was the father of that baby too.

They do seem to indicate they're going to introduce them to Kesho a.s.a.p whereas before they stated they wanted to integrate him before the birth. He is such a happy-looking Gorilla I can't see him being aggressive though.
 
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Javan Rhino said:
It's gonna take quite a few years before 'Heart of Africa' is built, maybe he will need to move around the same time as Chester try and source gorillas?
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There are also loads of young (and older) males living in groups in Europe- what happens is the zoo e.g. Chester apply for a group via the EEP who then allocate the individual animals from those that are suitable, both age wise and genetically. So the chances of this baby being part of that group are pretty small- but not impossible.

If all goes well I'd hope this baby stays in his natal group for as long as possible.(Kesho moved direct to London from living with his parents and younger brothers in Dublin)
 
Pertinax said:
I have heard rumours Chester may get into Gorillas before that. I think this baby would be way too young in that case. There are loads of young (and older) males living in groups in Europe- what happens is the zoo e.g. Chester apply for them via the EEP who then allocate the indiviual animals from those that are suitable.

If all goes well I'd hope this baby stays in his natal group for as long as possible. Kesho moved direct to London from living with his parents and younger brothers in Dublin)
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Ahhh cool. I'm really looking forward to Chester getting into them again (I hope it will happen within a short-mid term timeframe, I love gorillas and Chester is the only place I can get to often, I'm lucky to see gorillas once or twice a year at the moment).
 
I saw the new baby today! Visitors were allowed in to see it already, though carefully controlled, in smallish groups. Mjukuu seems to adore him and is being a very attentive mother, cleaning his face with her fingers, and she looks very relaxed and not all all bothered by the people looking at her – in fact she was right up by the glass with the baby when I saw her. I'm not keen on gorillas but I have to admit it was terribly touching. It's wonderful to have good news at last!
 
Maybe now the 'Gorillas Galore' website can put the correct birthdate and the sex too.
 
volvox said:
I saw the new baby today! Visitors were allowed in to see it already, though carefully controlled, in smallish groups. Mjukuu seems to adore him and is being a very attentive mother, cleaning his face with her fingers, and she looks very relaxed and not all all bothered by the people looking at her – in fact she was right up by the glass with the baby when I saw her. I'm not keen on gorillas but I have to admit it was terribly touching. It's wonderful to have good news at last!
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when you see them was they in the left hand corner mjukuu with her back to the glass and baby facing the onlookers, i was there at around 3o/c
 
Congratulations to Mjukuu and to her keepers. Good PR work from ZSL too, thank you to all involved.
I guess the first step will be to introduce mother and baby to the other females, so that they can help to protect him if Kesho becomes aggressive.

Alan
 
gentle lemur said:
Congratulations to Mjukuu and to her keepers. Good PR work from ZSL too, thank you to all involved.
I guess the first step will be to introduce mother and baby to the other females, so that they can help to protect him if Kesho becomes aggressive.

Alan
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all females was present at the birth, which is great!:)
 
A great achievement and I am well glad that all female gorillas have been able to be there when Mjukuu is watching over her own baby.

I do have reservations as to that integration with Kesho. I just hope his social nature will not be compromised. After all gorilla silverback social biology is quite well described on the paternity stakes.
 
Yes, BillyT, Mjukuu was in the corner and I was there (just passing through, on my way to the craft centre) around 3.00 too, I probably saw you! That must have been the highlight of your visit, you certainly picked the right day!
 
volvox said:
Yes, BillyT, Mjukuu was in the corner and I was there (just passing through, on my way to the craft centre) around 3.00 too, I probably saw you! That must have been the highlight of your visit, you certainly picked the right day!
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well i went on tuesday aswell, 2 days in a row! but the weather was rubbish and had a good excuse to go again :D:D:D i get in for free anyway so it would be rude not to of :p
 
I'm visiting today, do you reckon I'll be able to get into Gorilla Kingdom because I haven't seen Gorillas for several years (sadly)
 
haz_cat said:
I'm visiting today, do you reckon I'll be able to get into Gorilla Kingdom because I haven't seen Gorillas for several years (sadly)
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yes of course, its open to all, there was abit of a wait but only about 15mins , hope you get the views i did.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
I do have reservations as to that integration with Kesho. I just hope his social nature will not be compromised. After all gorilla silverback social biology is quite well described on the paternity stakes.
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So do I. He's been with all the females individually before the birth, but AFAIK not as a group. Mjuku was frightened of him, she may still be so even with backup from the other two females.

Kesho isn't a full-fledged silverback and appears very amiable. I don't think he will be aggressive to Mjuku or interested in the baby either, though recognising she is nearest in age to him, he may pester her (wanting to play) as that is what males of that age group often do. Whereas their first choice, Pertinax aged 28, (from Paignton) would have probably just sat quietly in a corner and left them alone.

We will only know how it works if they try it....
 
Pertinax said:
So do I. He's been with all the females individually before the birth, but AFAIK not as a group. Mjuku was frightened of him, she may still be so even with backup from the other two females.

Kesho isn't a full-fledged silverback and appears very amiable. I don't think he will be aggressive to Mjuku or interested in the baby either, though he may try and pester her (wanting to play) as that is what males of that age group often do. Whereas their first choice, Pertinax aged 28, (from Paignton) would have probably just sat quietly in a corner and left them alone.

We will only know how it works if they try it....
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i was told yesturday that it wasnt a option any more, as they didnt bond very well in the 1st place, when 1st introduced mjukuu didnt want to know him, maternal instincts maybe.
 
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