Two western lowland gorillas were recently born at the Bronx Zoo, the first to be born there in eight years. There are now 20 gorillas on display at the zoo—the largest group of gorillas in North America. It's unclear so far if the gorillas are male or female, and no names have been given, but the press release does offer up this cute fact: "The gestation period for a gorilla is 8.5 months and newborns weigh approximately 4 to 5 pounds. Gorilla infants are held by their mother for the first four months of their life." It's adorable:
Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society
The gorillas are part of the Zoo's Species Survival Plan breeding program, "designed to enhance the genetic viability of animal populations in zoos"—50 have been born in the Zoo since 1972, of which 20 remain there today. Anyway, the gorillas are very cute, especially in their mothers' arms:
Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society
The Zoo says the babies can be seen by visitors this spring, but times will vary day-by-day depending on weather, temperature, and other environmental factors. If you do get to see the gorillas, remember to prepare yourself for how damn cute it's going to be:
Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society
