Another endangered gorilla born at London Zoo

Western lowlands are an endangered species that have declined in the wild by more than 60%

A critically endangered gorilla has been born at London Zoo, less than a month after the birth of its half-sibling.

Staff said they were "over the moon" and said the western lowland babies were "an important addition to the conservation breeding programme".

The infant was born to mother Effie on Thursday evening.

Zookeepers said they were letting the pair bond before determining the baby's gender.

Staff were initially concerned when the infant was born that it was wrapped in the umbilical cord, but added this "didn't create any issues and baby continued to feed and wriggle around, and it has now completely detached".

Both babies were fathered by London Zoo's silverback Kiburi, who is 19 years old. He was sent to the zoo from Tenerife in November 2022 as part of the conservation breeding programme.

Staff say the Silverback's arrival ensured 'the preservation of a genetically diverse and healthy population of the gorilla subspecies".

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London Zoo's primates section manager Kathryn Sanders said the infants were "great additions to our troop".

She added: "Effie and her baby kept us on our toes for the first 72 hours, as we wanted to make sure that the attached umbilical cord didn't pose any risk to the newborn.

"It was a huge relief to see baby feeding, moving normally and to get a glimpse of its bright eyes peeking out from mum's arms.

"The two youngsters will now grow up side by side, they'll love having a permanent playmate."

Zookeepers are letting mum and infant bond before determining the newborn's gender

London Zoo, as part of international conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL), said it was increasing its conservation efforts to protect western lowland gorilla habitats in the West Congo Basin.

It said it was working with local communities to find alternatives to using the area's natural resources and was working to prevent deforestation to protect the home of gorillas.

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