Western Lowland Gorilla Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
For the first time in nine years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the birth of a male western lowland gorilla. He was born at 6:25 p.m. April 15 and is named Moke [Mo-KEY], which means “junior” or “little one” in the Lingala language. The parents—15 year old mother Calaya and 26-year-old father Baraka—bred in summer 2017 following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Animal care staff have observed Calaya nursing the infant who has been clinging closely to his mother, and they are cautiously optimistic that the newborn will thrive. Animal care staff are leaving Calaya to bond with and care for her baby without interference. The Great Ape House is closed to provide Calaya a quiet space to bond with her infant.
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/news/western-lowland-gorilla-born-smithsonians-national-zoo-and-conservation-biology-institute
CR: Smithsonian's National Zoo (Reprodução/Youtube)
Continua após publicidade
O vídeo do nascimento de um gorila no zoológico de Smithsonian, nos Estados Unidos, está emocionando a internet por conta de um detalhe: logo depois de parir, a macaca Calaya pega seu filhote no colo, fica olhando o rostinho dele e lhe dá delicados beijos.
A cena foi flagrada pelos funcionários do zoo e já correu o mundo. Nas redes sociais, muita gente comenta que isso mostra o quanto os primatas são parecidos com os seres humanos.
O filhote recebeu o nome de Moke, que significa “pequeno” ou “júnior” em lingala, idioma falado no Congo, em Angola e na República Centro-Africana. Ele e sua mãe pertencem à espécie denominada de gorila-ocidental-das-terras-baixas.