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17th Oct 2019

There’s a new (and very cute) baby gorilla at Dublin Zoo

Melissa Carton

So sweet.

Dublin Zoo has just announced the birth of a baby western lowland gorilla, born to mother Vana and father Bangui.

First-time mum Vana gave birth on Saturday, October 12  with the baby the second gorilla born in the zoo this year.

Keepers have been unable to determine the sex of the infant just yet as Vana has been keeping the baby close to her chest, could it get any cuter?!

The newborn weights approximately 2-2.5kg and is the second off-spring of father Bangui since his arrival at Dublin Zoo, joining half-sister Asali who was born in April 2019.

Aisling Kenneally, Zoo Keeper at Dublin Zoo said:

“We’re delighted to announce that a second baby gorilla has been born at Dublin Zoo this year! As western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, it’s amazing that we have had not only one but two new births within a few months.

Vana is an amazing mum and is extremely protective of her little one. Vana and the baby were introduced to the rest of the female gorillas yesterday and are settling in well. Big sister Asali, has shown huge interest in her younger sister and the duo have been bonding over the past couple of days. We’re so excited to see both youngsters grow up and play together.”

Dublin Zoo often holds naming competitions and will be doing the same for their newest arrival.

If you’d like the chance to try name the baby gorilla and win a prize of a family day pass, have a look at the zoo’s social media channels in the coming days.

Topics:

Dublin Zoo