Disney's Animal Kingdom Welcomes Endangered Western Lowland Gorilla *UPDATED*

[Beccaberry]

In 1997, before it was even open to the public, Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed its first gorilla birth. In 1999, they welcomed their second. Earlier this week, Animal Kingdom was proud to announce the birth of their third and newest member – a critically endangered western lowland gorilla.

Even more exciting? You can now see the newborn at the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

Reports say that the newborn gorilla is doing wonderfully and has already been accepted into the gorilla family group which includes mother, Kashata, father Gino and two other female gorillas. Kashata, a first time mother is reported to be holding the infant so close to her to body that caregivers at Animal Kingdom have not yet been able to determine the baby’s gender.

Welcome!!


(Photo courtesy of Gene Duncan)

[Tink]

Yep, yep, yep! Can't wait to see this new little one. We have great memories of the antics of the other two when they were young ones.

This gorilla Mama must have been traded to AK, because Disney does not name their gorillas. They find that to be inappropriate, so I'm guessing she's been brought in from another place (as is done with some of the engdangered species).

It sure is a cutie though, isn't it?

[Beccaberry]

Interesting information on Disney not naming their primates, Tink! I'll have to do a bit of research and find out where our friends are from (I'm assuming the father is on "loan" as well as he also has a name; but the other "two females" do not).

When you visit, do tell us all about it!

[Tinkfan]

Thanks Becca for posting this, I love to see the gorillas there, the look on the mothers face is priceless. Can't wait to see them 42 more days!!

[uscwest]

Donna and I have been watching one of those babies grow up over the years, so it will be great to see the newest one. Thanks for the pics Becca.

[Beccaberry]

So after a little research, I learned that Kashata is visiting from Zoo Atlanta (where she was born in 1993) as part of the species survival plan administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The organization, which serves as a standards agency for more than 200 zoos and aquariums across North America, also oversees breeding programs for various species, including gorillas.

Gino, the father was born in 1980, and is originally from Rotterdam, Holland.

[Beccaberry]

*UPDATE*

Received a "tweet" earlier this evening that the caregivers at Disney's Animal Kingdom have finally been able to determine that the new baby is a GIRL!!!

[Tink]

Yippee!

Thanks for the research Becca. Disney doesn't name the animals there, so that was a dead giveaway.

I wonder if when the mother is returned, if the baby will go too?

[Beccaberry]

I dunno, is it selfish of me to hope they will both stay?

I mean after all, according to my research Zoo Atlanta still hosts 22 of these gorillas

[Shellyamc]

Awwww! What a sweetie

I hope this little family has found a forever home at AK!