Zoo Area Reopens After Birth of Endangered Gorilla

Zoo officials said Tuesday that a new, endangered gorilla born late last week is "healthy and bonding with mom."

The Lincoln Park Zoo's Regenstein Center for African Apes—it's been closed since the birth—will reopen today at 11 a.m., allowing visitors to enter and catch a glimpse of the newest addition to the now seven-member gorilla group.

While the zoo's 23-year-old silverback gorilla, Kwan, is typically the center of attention in the ape house, the focus has shifted to a much smaller subject; his baby, whose gender remains unknown. The tiny western lowland gorilla was born Oct. 11 to 17-year-old female, Bana. 

“We are cautiously optimistic about the new arrival," Curator of Primates, Maureen Leahy, said in a news release. "So far, Bana and the baby are showing all the signs of a happy, healthy mom-and-baby pair."

The group of gorillas the baby's joined remains curious but is maintaining a respectful distance as Bana and her offspring bond, the release says. According to animal care staff, the new mom is already establishing routines.

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“Bana has been nesting in a quiet corner of the enclosure where she can nurture her infant,” Leahy said. “The baby is nursing regularly and demonstrating positive behaviors like reaching and gripping tightly.”

Zookeepers and vets will closely monitor Bana and her baby to ensure they continue to do well, as the first few weeks are critical in the survival of newborn gorillas.

The birth marks the 51st in the zoo's history of working with the species, according to a statement made Tuesday by Lincoln Park Zoo President Kevin Bell. He said it came about after a recommendation from the Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which is a shared management effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

"It provides a welcome boost for a species that’s critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting," Bell said, in the statement. "In addition to work here at the zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo also conserves gorillas in the wild through the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project."

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in their native central Africa, largely because of poaching, experts said.

The center where the gorillas live has been closed since the birth to allow animal care staff to carefully monitor the baby's health and maternal bonding, and give the group time to adjust to having an infant around, the release said.

The building will open at 11 a.m.— one hour later than normal—for the rest of the week.

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