Newborn Rare Gorilla Brands Emotional First Appearance at Colorado Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado has made a significant addition to its Primate World habitat, with the birth of a western lowland gorilla, marking the first addition in over a decade. The newborn gorilla, yet to be named, was born to mother Asha, a 32-year-old gorilla who was born at the zoo in 1992.
Asha and the newborn are bonding exceptionally well, with Asha displaying strong maternal instincts. The father of the newborn, Goma, is a 34-year-old gorilla who arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2016. Goma has been showing signs of attachment to the newborn and seems to have a protective instinct toward Asha and the baby.
The birth of the western lowland gorilla has sparked excitement among staff and visitors, offering a rare and uplifting moment in the conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. Visitors to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo may have a unique opportunity to witness the bonding process of the newborn gorilla and its family in the Primate World habitat.
The newborn gorilla has been showing positive signs of development, including nursing and clinging to its mother. Zoo officials will allow Asha to take the lead in caring for her newborn, with keepers closely monitoring the situation. As the baby grows, Goma may eventually take a more active role in caring for the offspring.
In addition to its conservation efforts for Western lowland gorillas through captive care and breeding, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also taking action to mitigate threats from coltan mining on wild Western lowland gorillas. Coltan mining, a mineral used in electronics production, is a significant threat to the survival of Western lowland gorillas as it leads to severe deforestation in their habitats.
To reduce demand for coltan and lessen the link between coltan mining and gorilla habitat destruction, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo encourages the public to recycle coltan by dropping off old electronics at designated locations. The zoo provides Eco-Cell recycling bins for visitors and works with electronics stores to collect old devices as part of its conservation efforts.
Eco-Cell, an organization that recycles coltan-containing electronics, helps to supply recycled coltan for future production rather than newly mined coltan. By recycling coltan, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is working to reduce the impact of coltan mining on Western lowland gorilla habitats and promote the protection of these endangered primates.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's conservation efforts for Western lowland gorillas include contributing to the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan and SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiatives, supporting troop social cohesion, and nurturing gorilla births in captivity to help sustain population numbers. Goma is part of a national breeding program aimed at preserving the Western lowland gorilla species.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident in its efforts to protect Western lowland gorillas and reduce the impact of coltan mining on their habitats. By combining species conservation through captive care and breeding with educational outreach and practical recycling programs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is making a significant contribution to the future of Western lowland gorillas.
- Visitors to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo might also be interested in exploring the zoo's other exhibits, such as the home-and-garden section showcasing sustainable living practices or the fashion-and-beauty display highlighting eco-friendly clothing and cosmetic brands.
- After spending time in the Primate World viewing the newborn gorilla, one may want to relax in the food-and-drink area, sampling organic and locally-sourced dishes while enjoying a wide selection of tea and coffee.
- As the day comes to an end, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers various programs on relationships with animals, including pet therapy sessions, permitting visitors to bond with pets and learn about the importance of companion animals in our lifestyle.
