You may have read in the newspaper a couple of months ago how the Columbus Zoo had a double surprise when their supposed "male" gorilla had a baby. The mother, named Sully, came to the zoo from Milwaukee in 2019. https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2019/08/21/milwaukee-county-zoo-gorillas-transferred-columbus-zoo/2072005001/
At that time, the Milwaukee zoo had identified her as a male, and since she was healthy, the Columbus zoo had never done a careful exam since their policy is to leave healthy animals alone. You can imagine the surprise when this "male" gorilla was found one morning to be holding onto her newborn baby. (It is a girl, and they have verified this by sending photos to gorilla gender specialist.)
Anyway, I had been to the zoo in June with my granddaughters, but it was a hot day, and I had gotten tired fast that day. I decided since I was driving past on my way south, that I would stop and visit some parts of the zoo that I had missed. However, rather than bore you with photos of other animals, I am posting some photos just of this tiny new baby gorilla.
I was lucky because they have two groups of gorillas and they take turns spending time outdoors. Here is mom Sully and her baby. Sully is only 8-years-old and a first-time mom, so her holding skills could be improved, as shown in this photo where she is holding the baby upside down!
And today was a cardboard box enrichment day, so Sully pulled a box over her one-handed, while still holding her baby, who must have wondered why it suddenly got dark.
Holding her strangely in this photos also, though the baby never looked like she might fall.
The other gorilla was chewing the bark off a log--not sure why, but mother Sully was interested in the process.
The baby was very alert and active. Mom has a good grip on her leg here.
This is silverback dad. As male gorillas become fully mature, they reach a larger size than the females and also develop a head crest, as well as grey hair on their backs. They are responsible for keeping peace in the family and making sure everyone is safe.
Here is a closeup of the baby.
The baby has noticed her feet and is trying to reach her toes with her mouth so she can suck on them.
Got it!!
And finally, a nice family group photo. Not sure who the extra female is, but she kept close to the mom and baby the entire time I was there.
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