Newborn Baby Gorilla Discovered at Columbus Zoo, Surprising Keepers
Zookeepers at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium were in for a surprise on Thursday morning when they discovered a newborn baby gorilla and learned that its mother was not a male gorilla, as previously believed. The gorilla, named Sully, has been living at the facility with her mother since 2019.
The zoo announced the unexpected discovery in a news release, stating that the gorilla care team found Sully holding the baby gorilla early Thursday. It turns out that Sully, who is 8 years old, was thought to be male due to the lack of prominent sex organs in gorillas. Males and females look mostly alike until around the age of 8, when males develop their large size, silver backs, and distinctive head bumps.
The veterinarians at the zoo took a “hands-off approach” with Sully’s care, allowing her to be cared for by her mother. This approach, along with the difficulty in distinguishing the sex of young gorillas, contributed to the surprise pregnancy going unnoticed. Additionally, gorillas rarely show outward signs of pregnancy, as newborns are smaller than human babies and gorillas naturally have large abdomens.
The zoo estimates that Sully became pregnant in the fall, as the gestation period for gorillas is eight and a half months. The adorable infant, believed to be a healthy female, will undergo a wellness exam soon. A DNA test will also be conducted to determine the newborn’s father.
Starting Friday, the new mother and baby will be on display for guests at the zoo’s gorilla habitat. This news is particularly significant as Western lowland gorillas, the subspecies that resides at the Columbus Zoo, are critically endangered. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there are only an estimated 100,000 left in the wild across central Africa, with their population being threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and hunting for bushmeat.
The Columbus Zoo has a history of gorilla conservation, being the first zoo in the world to welcome the birth of a baby gorilla in 1956. Sully’s yet-to-be-named infant is the 34th gorilla born at the zoo, and the facility emphasized that she is an important part of their work to conserve these magnificent animals.
What measures are the zookeepers taking to ensure the health and bonding of the baby gorilla, Sully, and her mother, Naomi
Ting, “We are thrilled to welcome a new addition to our gorilla family! Our keepers were surprised and delighted to find a newborn baby gorilla in our midst. It was even more surprising to learn that the baby’s mother is not the male gorilla we had assumed, but rather Sully’s mother.”
The zookeepers initially suspected that Sully’s mother, Naomi, was a male gorilla due to her physical characteristics and behavior. However, the presence of a newborn baby gorilla completely changed their understanding of the situation.
“We were in shock when we found the baby gorilla,” said one of the keepers. “We had no idea that Naomi was actually a female. It just goes to show that nature can sometimes surprise us.”
According to the zoo’s veterinarians, Sully appears to be healthy and is nursing well. The keepers are closely monitoring the baby gorilla and her mother to ensure that they are thriving and bonding.
“We are providing Sully and Naomi with all the necessary support and care they need during this critical time,” explained a zoo veterinarian. “It’s crucial for them to have a strong bond and for Sully to receive the essential nutrients from her mother’s milk.”
This unexpected discovery highlights the importance of regular observations and monitoring of the animals in captivity. It also underscores the complexity of studying wildlife and the need for continuous research.
“We are constantly learning from our animal residents,” said the zoo’s director. “This surprising event reminds us that there is still so much we don’t know about these magnificent creatures. It’s a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt.”
Sully is already attracting attention from visitors, who are eager to catch a glimpse of the adorable newborn. The zoo plans to gradually introduce Sully to the rest of the gorilla family once she is a bit older and stronger.
“We are excited to watch Sully grow and develop, and ultimately become a vital member of our gorilla group,” added the zoo’s director. “This unexpected addition is a true gift to our zoo and a great joy for all of us.”
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is renowned for its commitment to conservation and its successful breeding programs. This surprising arrival further cements its reputation as a world-class facility dedicated to the well-being and preservation of endangered species.
What a delightful twist of events! The surprise baby gorilla at the Columbus Zoo, now revealed to have a secret identity, surely adds a touch of excitement and intrigue to the conservation efforts. Can’t wait to learn more about this adorable and mysterious little one!