Endangered Lowland Gorrilla Gives Birth at the National Zoo

Any time a permanent resident of the National Zoo has a baby, there seems to be an "awwww" heard 'round the world. But when Mandara, a 26 year-old western lowland gorilla, gave birth to a healthy baby earlier this month, there was more than just cuteness to celebrate.

Mandara and her baby, who has not yet been named, are members of a species that has been classified as critically endangered. Fewer than 200,000 of the majestic creatures inhabit the tropical forests of West and Central Africa, where they live under the constant threats of poaching, dwindling habitat, and the Ebola virus.

These first few weeks of the infant gorilla's life are a critical time. Out of concern for the baby's safety, zoo officials have not even gotten close enough to determine its sex. Mandara, however, is taking careful care of her baby. 10 year-old DC resident Max Block told the Washington Post "It's pretty amazing. She's been holding it, tickling it, stroking it on the head. . . . She's a great mom." Max raised $2,500 for a wildlife preservation group at a lemonade stand this summer.

Not only is Mandara's baby a promising new addition to an endangered species, the adorable newborn will provide the National Zoo with an opportunity to educate the public about the growing need for conservation.

Visitors can see the mother and baby, along with the other gorillas, in the Great Ape House between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

To read the full article, (and see an adorable picture!) visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/11/AR2009011100697.html

Thanks Papa Goose for tipping us off to this story!