Baby Gorilla Critically Classified as Endangered Makes Emotional Introduction at Colorado Zoo
Newborn Western Lowland Gorilla Sparks Excitement at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado has welcomed a new addition to its Primate World habitat, a baby western lowland gorilla. Born to mother Asha, a 32-year-old gorilla who has been at the zoo since 1992, the newborn is thriving and bonding exceptionally well with its mother.
Asha and the newborn have shown positive signs of development, with the baby nursing and clinging to its mother. Goma, a 34-year-old gorilla who arrived at the zoo in 2016, is also adjusting to the new addition to the family. Goma has shown a protective instinct towards Asha and the newborn, a significant sign of bonding.
The birth of this baby gorilla is a significant event for the zoo and for the conservation of western lowland gorillas. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered due to disease, poaching, and habitat destruction. This birth is part of a national breeding program aimed at preserving the western lowland gorilla species.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to conservation efforts, and visitors may have a rare opportunity to witness the baby gorilla and its family in the Primate World habitat. The zoo provides Eco-Cell recycling bins and works with electronics stores to collect old devices as part of its commitment to conservation.
One of the key threats to the survival of western lowland gorillas is coltan mining, a key component in electronic devices production. Mining for coltan leads to severe deforestation in the gorillas' natural habitat, causing habitat loss and increased human encroachment. The Brookfield Zoo’s new habitat includes education on how mining for cell phone batteries, such as coltan, endangers gorillas.
Conservation efforts for western lowland gorillas include captive breeding programs in zoos, habitat protection, public education, and volunteer projects in their native range. Zoos such as Zoo Knoxville and Brookfield Zoo actively participate by breeding western lowland gorillas and creating large, naturalistic habitats to educate visitors about threats these gorillas face. Volunteer conservation projects in Gabon also support the protection of substantial populations of western lowland gorillas in protected areas.
These combined efforts reflect an integrated approach to conserving western lowland gorillas amid threats from mining and habitat degradation. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo encourages the public to recycle coltan by dropping off old electronics at designated locations.
Ashton Asbury, the zoo's animal keeper, has observed Asha patting the back of the newborn and grooming it. Asha and the newborn gorilla continue to thrive, and the zoo's staff will allow Asha to take the lead in caring for her newborn, with keepers monitoring the situation closely. This new addition to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers hope for the future of the western lowland gorilla species.
References:
[1] "Zoo Knoxville." (n.d.). Western Lowland Gorilla Conservation Program. Retrieved from https://www.zooknoxville.org/western-lowland-gorilla-conservation-program/
[2] "Brookfield Zoo." (n.d.). Western Lowland Gorilla Habitat. Retrieved from https://www.czs.org/animals/western-lowland-gorilla-habitat
[3] "Gabon Wildlife Conservation." (n.d.). Conservation Projects. Retrieved from https://gabonwildlife.org/conservation-projects/
[4] "Gorilla Doctors." (n.d.). About Gorilla Doctors. Retrieved from https://www.gorilladoctors.org/about/
The conservation efforts at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo extend beyond the Primate World habitat, including a personal commitment to home-and-garden practices through the implementation of Eco-Cell recycling bins and partnerships with electronics stores. This lifestyle choice helps minimize the impact of coltan mining, a key threat to western lowland gorillas.
The thriving baby gorilla, a precious addition to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, serves as a beacon of hope for the future of the home-and-garden of the western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species.
