Animal
In a heartwarming and significant event for conservation efforts, Prague Zoo has welcomed the birth of a second critically endangered western lowland gorilla cub in 2024. This new addition follows the birth of a female cub named Mobi at the beginning of January. The latest cub was born to 30-year-old mother Kijivu and 26-year-old father Kisumu, marking another milestone in the zoo's ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species.
Details of the Birth
The baby gorilla was born in the early hours of Friday morning, with Kijivu delivering the cub just 36 minutes after midnight. According to Filip Mašek, the zoo's spokesman, the birth was uncomplicated, and both mother and baby are doing well. Kijivu, being an experienced mother with five previous births, is providing excellent care to her newborn. The sex of the baby remains unknown and will be determined through a blood test in about two to three weeks, similar to the procedure used for the previous cub born in January1.
Conservation Significance
Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered due to habitat loss, the Ebola virus, and illegal hunting for bushmeat. Their numbers have declined by more than 60% over the past 25 years. The births at Prague Zoo are part of an international conservation breeding program aimed at maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of this species3.
Public Viewing
Visitors can already see the new gorilla cub at the Prague Zoo's Dja Reserve, making it the first time in the zoo's history that two gorilla cubs are on display simultaneously. This unique opportunity allows the public to engage with these magnificent creatures while raising awareness about their plight in the wild1.
Family Ties
Interestingly, Kijivu is the grandmother of Duni, the mother of the first cub born in January. This familial connection highlights the complex social dynamics within the gorilla troop and underscores the importance of managed breeding programs under the supervision of European breeding coordinators1.
Broader Conservation Efforts
Similar births have been reported in other zoos, such as the Columbus Zoo, where a critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born to first-time mother Sue. These events not only celebrate the arrival of new life but also emphasize the critical role zoos play in preserving endangered species through coordinated breeding programs2.
In conclusion, the birth of this baby gorilla at Prague Zoo is a significant event that contributes to the global effort to protect western lowland gorillas. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and the role that zoos can play in safeguarding the future of critically endangered species.
Sources:
Filip Mašek, Prague Zoo, Radio Prague International https://english.radio.cz/second-baby-gorilla-born-prague-zoo-2024-already-view-8813966
Audra Meinelt, Columbus Zoo, ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/US/history-made-critically-endangered-baby-western-lowland-gorilla/story?id=111667871
AP, Euronews https://www.euronews.com/2024/01/18/critically-endangered-western-lowland-gorillas-born-in-london-and-prague