CALGARY – A newborn baby gorilla at the Calgary Zoo is making incremental progress, according to staff, but is smaller and not gaining weight as newborn gorillas should.
“We know with human babies, there can often be road bumps in the beginning and we are being cautious with our newest addition to the gorilla troop,” Head Veterinarian Dr. Sandie Black said in a Tuesday news release.
“While we are extremely pleased with the bonding behaviours we have seen between mom and baby, we know the baby had a challenging start to life and is not developing as quickly as we had hoped.”
The zoo’s animal care team was forced to intervene on March 12 when it appeared the baby was “weak and not thriving.”
“After anaesthetizing Kioja, animal care staff handled the baby, feeding it and giving it fluids,” the zoo explained.
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The baby responded well, and staff members haven’t had to intervene since.
“We are carefully monitoring and assessing the baby, ensuring that it is getting nourishment and is staying hydrated,” Black said. “We will only step in if we feel that it is absolutely necessary.”
Mom Kioja, 15, and her baby remain with the rest of the gorilla troop, where Kioja is most comfortable and can to focus on mothering.
“Kioja has been such a great mom.”
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“Our animal care team is looking to restore some routine for the gorillas and allow them to be comfortable with guests and large crowds,” zoo officials explained.