The wait is over: it’s time to meet Cleveland Metroparks Zoo‘s new Western lowland gorilla!
Born on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 19, to mom Kebi Moyo (32) and dad Mokolo (36), the newborn is only the second gorilla born at the zoo in its 141 years. Kebi and the newborn have already shown positive signs of development, including nursing and bonding amongst the other members of the troop. Weighing approximately 4 pounds at birth, newborn gorillas are in almost constant contact with their mother for the first six months and nurse for about three years.
The newborn is the second gorilla fathered by adult male Mokolo after Kayembe, who was born in October 2021. Kayembe made national attention as the first gorilla born in Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The gorilla troop, including mom and newborn, will not be visible to the public temporarily to encourage bonding. Stay tuned to the zoo’s social media for updates on when guests can visit the troop. A public naming opportunity will be announced in the coming days.
For more video and virtual fun, visit the zoo’s Facebook page.
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