The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to a remarkable family of western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species with a population of around 100,000 due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the bushmeat trade. As a leading institution in gorilla conservation, the Columbus Zoo has achieved numerous milestones, including the birth of Colo, the first gorilla ever born in professional care in 1956. In July 2023, the zoo welcomed an unexpected yet exciting addition to their gorilla family, a baby born to Sully, an 8-year-old gorilla initially believed to be a male.
The Unexpected Arrival of the Columbus Zoo Gorilla Baby
Sully, who has lived at the Columbus Zoo since 2019, was discovered holding the baby gorilla early Thursday, surprising the gorilla care team. The baby’s sex was quickly determined to be female, a definite conclusion compared to Sully’s mistaken identity. The zoo’s veterinarians had maintained a hands-off approach in Sully’s care at her previous zoo, as she was healthy and well-cared for by her mother. Upon Sully’s arrival at the Columbus Zoo at the age of 4, she received a cardiac exam due to great apes’ susceptibility to heart complications. At that age, it was challenging to determine Sully’s sex due to her size and the lack of prominent sex organs.
The Significance of the Columbus Zoo Gorilla Baby’s Birth
The baby gorilla’s birth is significant for the conservation of this critically endangered species, as she is the 34th gorilla born at the Columbus Zoo since 1956. The zoo is a proud supporter of gorilla conservation projects in Central Africa, focusing on research, rescue, rehabilitation missions, and humanitarian projects through its grassroots effort, Partners In Conservation (PIC), founded in 1991.
Visiting the Columbus Zoo Gorilla Habitat
Visitors can find Sully and her baby in their indoor and outdoor habitat in the zoo’s Congo region, along with other members of the gorilla troop. The indoor gorilla habitat reopened to guests on Friday, July 21, 2023, allowing gorilla fans to celebrate the baby’s birth and support the conservation of this magnificent species.
The Columbus Zoo’s Gorilla Conservation Efforts
The Columbus Zoo is renowned for its gorilla program, having achieved many firsts, including the birth of Colo, the first gorilla ever born in professional care in 1956. The zoo is a proud supporter of gorilla conservation projects in Central Africa, focusing on research, rescue, rehabilitation missions, and humanitarian projects through its grassroots effort, Partners In Conservation (PIC), founded in 1991.
Key Facts about the Columbus Zoo Gorilla
Here are some key facts about the Columbus Zoo Gorilla:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Species | Western Lowland Gorilla |
| Population | Around 100,000 (Critically Endangered) |
| First Gorilla Born in Professional Care | Colo, born at the Columbus Zoo in 1956 |
| Number of Gorillas Born at the Columbus Zoo | 34 |
| Gorilla Conservation Efforts | Partners In Conservation (PIC) |
| Gorilla Habitat at the Columbus Zoo | Congo Region |
The Columbus Zoo’s gorilla program is a testament to its commitment to conservation and education. By providing visitors with the opportunity to observe and learn about these magnificent creatures, the zoo plays a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting the preservation of the western lowland gorilla species.
References:
– https://www.10tv.com/article/life/animals/columbus-zoo-baby-gorilla-name-kwame/530-a8f46cc1-1d6e-49e1-8762-50a0301b3637
– https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/155c1qr/sully_a_gorilla_at_colombus_zoo_and_her_newborn/
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/tale-twin-gorillas
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/animals/western-lowland-gorilla
– https://www.columbuszoo.org/blog/gorilla-birth-brings-two-surprises-columbus-zoo