Baby Gorilla Makes Strides, Returns Home

Baby gorilla Nayembi continues to meet milestones while recovering from a February injury, after which she was separated from fellow Lincoln Park Zoo apes.

But not anymore. The young girl returned earlier this month to the Regenstein Center for African Apes, where she’s healing behind the scenes within full view of her family group, zoo officials announced last week.

READ: Recovering Baby Gorilla Remains Separated

"Overall, the progress of the last couple weeks has been amazing," Zoo President Kevin Bell said, in a written statement. " ... Nayembi’s face has regained much of its normal color. The good news isn’t limited to appearances either, as she continues to show a hearty appetite for food and play!"

Given her progress, veterinarians decided to move Nayembi back to the ape center on March 13. She’s living in her normal behind-the-scenes space, next to her family group, where animal care staff continue to provide around-the-clock care, zoo staff said.

"As you can imagine, it takes a lot of energy to care for a baby gorilla," Bell said. "Our animal care staff are trying to be more gorilla than human, mimicking the behaviors and routines of Nayembi’s troop."

Staff members rest, play, grunt, explore and eat on the gorillas’ established schedules, he said.

READ: Zoo Area Reopens After Birth of Endangered Gorilla

Nayembi's move home has restored her visual contact with her mother, Rollie, and the rest of the gorilla troop, which is led by silverback Kwan. 

Caregivers reported that Rollie has shown a lot of interest in the baby and is keen to watch her move and play. However, the two are not together.

"While Rollie and Nayembi are spending time just a couple of feet apart, we’re still holding off on physical contact between the two," Bell said. "Like any mother, Rollie will want to groom and inspect the baby, which could mean potentially touching her face in areas that are still in the healing process."

Zoo staff remain focused on Nayembi's daily checkups and around-the-clock care.

Want more news like this?

• Second Gorilla in 1 Month Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

Follow us on Facebook!