Dublin Zoo have announced the arrival of a baby gorilla.
The Zoo confirmed the happy news on their Twitter account, welcoming the baby western lowland gorilla into the world.
The news of the baby’s arrival is bound to pull on heart strings, as it’s been revealed that the baby’s father was much-loved gorilla Harry, who sadly passed away back in May of this year.
NEW ARRIVAL! Dublin Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of a baby western lowland gorilla. pic.twitter.com/9T5ehrW2Jk
— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) July 18, 2016
According to the Irish Times, zookeepers have been unable to determine the baby’s gender as its mother, Lena, is keeping her new arrival close.
The baby’s father, Harry, was the leader of the zoo’s gorilla troop, and he and Lena had been mates for 21 years.
“It has been a sad time for the team after Harry’s death and this has really put a smile on everyone’s face,” said Helen Clarke-Bennett, leader of the care team responsible for the gorillas.
“Big brother Kituba is taking a keen interest in the new arrival and the rest of the troop has reacted very well.
“The new arrival is a great success for Dublin Zoo, as part of the European breeding programme for these critically endangered primates,” she told the Irish Times.
