In an event that's a first for the Detroit Zoo, a baby gorilla has been born to mother Bandia and father Mshindi, introducing a new era of primate care at the zoo's Great Apes of Harambee habitat. The birth took place in the wee hours of Thursday morning and has ushered in a wave of excitement and anticipation as both the staff and the public await the baby gorilla's public debut.
The new mother Bandia, who at 26 is handling motherhood for the first time, "had a very smooth pregnancy," according to Tami Brightrall, the associate curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society. As CBS News Detroit reported, a meticulous prenatal regimen ensured that both mom and the baby, who remains unnamed, are in good health. Bandia's partner, 36-year-old Mshindi, joins the small troop, which also includes Tulivu, aged 20, and Nayembi, who is 11.
Zookeepers have been training the troop for the arrival of its newest member, going so far as to carry around a stuffed gorilla and demonstrate proper baby handling techniques to the other gorillas. "Animal care staff actually carried a stuffed gorilla around the habitat while interacting with the troop to properly demonstrate how to carry a baby,” Brightrall explained. This innovative effort, as detailed by MLive, aimed to familiarize the troop with the concept of caring for a young one.
However, don't rush to book your ticket to the Detroit Zoo just yet. Melissa Thueme, a mammal supervisor for the Detroit Zoo, told Detroit Free Press, that the viewing schedule “all depends on Bandia’s behavior and needs, especially as a first-time mom." The staff's primary focus is on ensuring a calm environment for the mother and child to bond, with the zoo anticipating to gradually reintroduce the pair to public display once they are ready.
The addition of the newborn is not only a source of joy but also serves as a crucial development in conservation and animal behavioral studies. "This is exciting for us. We get to learn from this one, and how this entire group acts as the baby matures," expressed Mike Murray, DZS Vice President of Life Sciences. The baby gorilla's growth and integration into the troop will be monitored intensively, contributing valuable insights to the wider scientific community involved in primate care and conservation efforts. The little gorilla will rely solely on Bandia's breast milk for the initial months, gradually transitioning to solid foods over time.
