Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla Born at Twycross Zoo

Zoo authorities at the Twycross zoo, U.K., celebrate the birth of a western lowland gorilla that was born Jan. 3.

The baby, who is yet to be named, was born to mum Ozala, at 9:15 a.m. Thursday. It will join its family members that consist of father Oumbi and grandmother Biddi. After a natural and stress-free birth, Ozala is being a very attentive mother.

According to Charlotte Macdonald, the Curator of Living Collections, the baby's father Oumbi is gentle and is displaying a great interest in the baby. The baby, whose sex is yet to be determined, will be kept with Ozala for the next 3-4 years.

The western lowland gorillas are listed as a critically endangered species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Their numbers decreased due to high levels of hunting, the Ebola virus, habitat loss and degradation, and alteration in climate. It is estimated that less than 100,000 western lowland gorillas are left in the wild.

Zoological director Sharon Redrobe said in a statement, "Because the western lowland gorilla is such an endangered animal every gorilla birth is important, and this infant represents another vital contribution to the European Endangered Species breeding programme and to the conservation of this species."

The authorities are glad to have three generations of gorillas living together, that in a way enhances the social welfare of the group.