Gorilla Gives Birth At Pittsburgh Zoo
If you make a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo this summer, you may get a glimpse of a cute little baby gorilla! Twenty-two-year-old Western lowland gorilla Moka, gave birth to her third baby while out on exhibit yesterday morning at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
The birth created quite an experience for visitors who witnessed the birth in the outside gorilla yard. Brandi Bella-Shaw, 38, of Merrittstown, PA, was one of the first people to notice Moka holding the newborn, and snapped this breathtaking photo!
Shortly after birth, zoo keepers called the gorilla family inside for the veterinary team to observe Moka with her baby and make sure both mom and baby are doing well.
“Moka is an experienced mother and is doing a great job,” the zoo said in a news release. “She is very attentive and is encouraging her baby to nurse. Keepers will continue to monitor baby and mom through the weekend.”
The gorillas have access to go outside or spend time indoors, so visitors may or may not see Moka with her baby in the upcoming days. The other gorillas will take their cues from mom as to when they can approach the new baby.
In 2013, Moka gave birth to now 5-year-old Ivan, the zoo said. Moka had another male baby in 2012 that unfortunately passed away after just four months.
Moka’s baby joins the other gorillas as an ambassador for their cousins in Congo Basin. Western lowland gorillas are endangered due to a loss of habitat, poaching, and disease.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen babies at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Here’s video of a young gorilla playing that we took on a visit back in 2015.
The zoo’s animal exhibits aren’t the only attraction for visitors to see while in Pittsburgh. It’s also home to the PPG Aquarium. It’s nice to take a break from the heat and enjoy some air conditioning while seeing and learning about all sorts of reptiles and sealife.
For tickets and more information, visit the official Pittsburgh Zoo website by clicking here.
Stay connected with Coaster Nation!
facebook: facebook.com/coasternation
twitter: @Coaster_Nation
Subscribe on YouTube!
MORE GREAT VIDEOS!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.
You must be logged in to post a comment.