Critically Endangered Gorilla Born On Camera!

‪@ABQBioPark‬ The ABQ BioPark has more exciting great ape news! Samantha the gorilla gave birth yesterday at 10:29 a.m. Mom and baby are doing well, and have started nursing.
ABQ BioPark caregivers were present during the birth, but watched remotely via camera in order to avoid disturbing the natural process. At 15 years old, Samantha is a first time mom, so staff were ready to intervene for the health and safety of mom and baby. Luckily, this was unnecessary! Samantha did great!
Mom and baby will have access to their outside yard today. Guests should be prepared for the Ape Walk to be intermittently closed to allow for privacy and a quiet environment while baby and mom bond.
The father is 20-year-old Kojo, who came to the BioPark in early 2021. This is the first time the ABQ BioPark has welcomed a baby gorilla since 2004. We do not yet know the baby's sex. We look forward to sharing more photos and footage in the coming days and weeks!

[@tedbomba6631]

That is just so beautiful to see ! The tenderness shown by the mother toward her new child is very moving to witness and it was a privilege to see this.

[@Kissameassa538]

It gives me chicken skin to see this happening. Absolutely beautiful ❤️🇬🇧

[@deannekliene2673]

And the other watching curiously...they have such natural instincts....

[@mondayblues2561]

Aww looks like a little human? Is the father hispanic?

[@Kissameassa538]

@@mondayblues2561 that is wrong on so many levels !! Still . Hhhmmm 🇬🇧

[@openyoureyes3969]

I love how the other gorilla came over, almost as if checking on her.

[@nillyk5671]

This is amazing. She instantly knows how to hold her baby and does so with tenderness. She keeps touching its little face and knows to let it nurse. Just pure beauty!

[@chloeshann8142]

It's called instincts

[@justmin858]

instant love 🤎🤍🤎

[@Hobbyautorin]

Never thought that was her first baby. ♥

[@Gri03]

@@chloeshann8142 who asked you?

[@Gri03]

@@Hobbyautorin I know, she delivered like a pro!

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie2]

I was so worried the baby would fall over the side, but she grabbed the baby and turned, & then fully delivered him. Very impressive for a first time mom! ❤🦍❤

[@katewaterbaby]

Me, too! The quick catch was amazing! It was almost as though she didn‘t want the delivery liquids in the lovely nest.

[@SSS-cj7hz]

Exactly. It was scary at first with her being up so high and on the edge but she was fantastic and had it all planned out. She quickly grabbed the baby. Daddy was nearby and came to see the little one. I hope they are wonderful parents. I cannot wait to see their lives together and hope for lots of videos. Thank you so much for the special and unique view of baby gorilla being born. Great video!!!

[@scootiebootie3553]

same here.. what a good little momma. this is just beyond beautifu,l.

[@openyoureyes3969]

That's how humans should have babies. Instead they make is lay on our back in an easy position for the doctor

[@scootiebootie3553]

@@openyoureyes3969 thats why i used a mid wife. its all about baby safety, mother safety, and mother comfort. mine even had a no talking rule, and dimmed the lights. she had soft gentle music playing. it was magical.

[@ccoop3774]

So beautiful, fascinating to watch. It's just amazing watching these animals instinctively knowing what to do. The baby is so beautiful too.

[@biologychic7292]

I was a bit worried about her being so close to the edge of the perch, but she did SO good for her first time! It’s amazing how quick maternal instincts kicked in, and you can see her love and tenderness radiate off of her. What a good momma ❤️

[@Improbable_Fiction]

They are not stupid.

[@chloeshann8142]

This is a past event. Why worry about something that didn't happen already?

[@lolasmom5816]

She likely did that on purpose. Gorillas build a nest. That's what she's done here. They likely birth in a way that keeps the mess away from the nest bc of predators. They don't understand that there won't be a predator in the zoo. She went to the edge so the fluid would go away from the nest and knew to catch him. Her actions seemed very intentional. If the fluid goes down to the next level she won't have to clean it up out of the nest. That smell is strong and predators know what it is.

[@wildlifeisthewealthofnatur5457]

@@chloeshann8142 He replied 6 months ago which means in the first month of posting the video itself while you are replying after 2 months saying this is a past event. What exactly is your point?

[@maryjeffries3126]

​@@lolasmom5816 0

[@debbieparker3691]

She's such a loving mother, you could tell right away her feelings toward her baby.

[@Ksane]

The fact that she can instinctively deliver her 1st baby alone just floors me. I adore gorillas 🥺

[@claritadeluna6609]

Ksane - that’s because nobody or anything has interfered with the process of birth. It was perfectly natural and it should be exactly the same with humans!

[@Pixtel1]

​@@claritadeluna6609 It's not the same, humans have way more complications thanks to the form the hips have.

[@caitolent]

@@Pixtel1 Exactly. And the increased size of our babies' heads in comparison to said hips.

[@susivarga7303]

@@claritadeluna6609 thank you for skipping the part where like half of the women died in child birth or shortly after. The babies were not better off either. Yes, let's all deliver our babies in the bushes! Lol

[@locabynature]

It's so crazy. we wouldn't have a clue what to do if we had to do all this alone with no one teaching you anything.

[@erynporter9951]

Oh how beautiful!!! Momma did such a GREAT JOB, she cleaned baby, kept him close to her, and when he moved off the nipple she repositioned the baby and encouraged it to continue drinking.....and her tender caress of the baby's face was so precious and sweet!♥️♥️♥️ Thank you for sharing this amazing video!♥️🦍🦍

[@hungsolow7090]

Does the momma love the baby ?

[@teijaflink2226]

I love too how the dad checked out the baby very guietly to not disturb. Hopefully they will be a great little family.

[@mondayblues2561]

Let them be gorillas.

[@hungsolow7090]

@@mondayblues2561 i think the mother cherishes her helpless little baby though , see the way she kisses it ?

[@mondayblues2561]

No let them be free in there natural habitate

[@kimhaveman3628]

What an amazing mommy! Immediately holding her baby close and cleaning her/him off. So precious to see. I can’t wait for more updates to come!

[@jdos5643]

At least there was no ridiculous baby reveal like ppl do when they are expecting….

[@kimharris8903]

What an adorable little face!! Just so precious. Always happy to see a new mom loving on her baby.

[@BlackBilby]

I can't believe she was a 1st time mom. Some how she knew what was happening. Great communication from handlers and with the other gorilla nearby. Kept the nest tidy, and was so calm so the baby was not scared.

[@chloeshann8142]

Animals do have instinct

[@kimmieh8419]

@@chloeshann8142 Yes, I agree all animals have instincts, but not all know to follow them. Especially if they've been in captivity their whole lives where they don't have their own kind around to teach them. That's why a lot of zoos/sanctuaries have cameras that are being watched constantly when a mom is due for the baby. They want to make sure the instinct does kick in and they don't have to intervene. Especially being a mom for the first time. The OP was just commenting on how beautiful a job she did without having seen or done it before. Instincts are a major factor but they aren't everything. We humans have instincts. But even we didn't know all the viable and very important information about how to care for our babies to make them thrive without having seen it. And just going out on your own and doing it all yourself without witnessing others. I'm not arguing or starting a debate, just trying to shed some light on a subject that has some grey areas. If you've read this whole post, I appreciate it and I wish you a very safe, healthy, and amazing holiday season with your loved ones.🙏🎄🧑‍🎄🎅🎉🎊💕

[@HayleysComet3]

@@kimmieh8419 I agree with you. Sometimes they show them videos of what they need to know if there aren’t already mothers with babies for them to learn from.

[@lv6524]

@@kimmieh8419 I think most women would figure out that they are pregnant and what to do to care for the newborn as far as feeding and keeping it warm, without being taught.

[@shawnnalambeth0370]

It's so amazing to watch her and how she "just knows" to clean it, to clear it's mouth and nose, repeatedly to make certain it's okay.... and then to help it keep latching on while feeding. This is so beautiful and it makes me happy to have seen it. Thank you for sharing this with the world.

[@indiaroberts3279]

I can't believe how human like these creatures are. The way she cradled her baby skin to skin and then feeding. Truly amazing

[@gymeni]

I can’t believe how gorilla-like we humans are. 😉

[@journiee2me518]

They’re cousins to humans, so technically we are family.

[@snowydays9631]

Yeah... they're not stupid as you tougth... grow up

[@clareshaughnessy2745]

That was SO beautiful! I really felt for her when she was in heavy labour. Then the way she held that baby and cleaned it at loved on it and then it latched on so well. OMG you could tell she instantly fell head over heels in love. It’s exactly how I felt when I saw my baby for the first time. She’s a total natural

[@livinglife1135]

What a great first time mom. You couldn’t ask for more of a perfect scenario. The moments following the birth of this child of hers that touched my heart most, was, when suckling, baby lost grip of moms nipple and mom gently repositioned baby’s mouth right on the nipple again and made sure baby was getting milk. Bravo to the caregivers, for sharing with the world , the emotions and tenderness in the lives of gorillas 💕

[@DB46811]

Wow! As a freelance videographer in my younger days I had the amazing opportunities to film a few home births, from the very early stages of labor all the way through, in their homes, attended by their families and midwives. I’ve seen and assisted animals being born. This took me right back not to the horses, cows or puppies, but to the women! That calm focus demeanor, the same positions and body movements at times, the instinct of knowing how and when to USE HANDS WITH OPPOSABLE THUMBS to assist herself and the process…. Watching again and still have goosebumps from the first time. Absolutely amazing and beautiful. ❤️🦍❤️🦍❤️🦍❤️🦍❤️🦍❤️🦍❤️

[@crochetology12]

Amazing how effortless she made that seem!

[@oldstockwhitecanadian2492]

The tenderness is just heartwarming and humbling…

[@mmac8379]

I love this. Look how well he is nursing. Too cute.

[@petermoody6147]

Wonderful! Conngratulations all round, and especially for Kojo and Samantha. Hopefully the first of many for this young couple.

[@lokismom912]

Congratulations!! She looks like shes going to be an amazing momma!

[@athompson5089]

What a wonderful miracle and we got to share in it!!! She is such a natural mom! Can’t wait for the exciting updates!

[@camila123]

So Happy to See that mother and Baby are doing good, and the father too♥️♥️♥️

[@mrs.sherry]

She did an amazing job all on her own. Dad came to get a peep.

[@amandapreece8362]

That was so beautiful when he came over, so much like us human families ❤

[@lisaenglert3202]

So great! Welcome little one. I was struck by how like us they are when she was nursing and touching the baby’s face.

[@sarabalcombe896]

How beautiful ❤️ congratulations to Mum, Dad and staff 👍😘

[@m0a0r0k0e0t0a]

Tohle je opravdu nádhera a také hodně k zamyšlení. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😘😘😘😘

[@bbaciliere]

Such a good girl, loving on her baby as soon as he was out! Bless her sweet heart!

[@Kissameassa538]

Well done Samantha, marvellous birth, and well caught. Congratulations to all involved 🎉🦍🫶❤️🇬🇧💜

[@Liz_678]

Great momma and beautiful baby🥰 congratulations 🎉

[@LIT70]

Awesome job, Samantha! You got this Mama thing down!! Congrats!! You and Kojo made a beautiful baby!! 😍😍😍😍

[@debbiecoonse980]

It's amazin to see primates give birth, especially the ones that are able to bond with the baby. Congrats mama, you did anamazin. Adorable baby

[@annabrown7302]

MOTHER IS SO SWEET AND FULL OF LOVE FOR HER LITTLE BABY ❤❤❤

[@Sassyglbeauty]

Love how dad is interested in both mom and baby!

[@gracetutt768]

She’s so gentle and protective of her baby. I’m so glad I watched this video.

[@Blurb111]

It’s amazing to see how mama toke care of the baby the second he was born.

[@deedeedailey-wq8bm]

That’s very beautiful, I love all animals. They are better than lots of everyday humans

[@jennygarcia1981]

IM HONOR TO HAVE WITNESS THIS BEAUITUFL MOMENT TY SO MUCH

[@Nadals1209]

It’s the 1st time that I saw that all comments agree on how wonderful the video is ❤️

[@fedupwitumboth]

Omg…she is so gentle and loving. So glad the zoo left them alone and Mother Nature prevailed…just beautiful.

[@strlisar]

Господи, как же жаль, какое несчастье.Они высокоорганизованные животные, всё понимают. И провести всю жизнь за решёткой...

[@youtubebot2607]

Exactly, and the feeling of raising your baby just stuck endlessly in a 20ft concrete room must be excruciating.

[@patticallihan8515]

They are always so loving and gentle tenderness show to their babies yet they are so big in person. Many years ago a little child fell into a zoo enclosure. He was unconscious. The mom Gorilla picked the child up and was stroking his head and rocking him till the zoo handlers rescue got into the enclosure. Wonderful animals. Thank you for sharing ❤️🦍

[@eagleblack6254]

L'istinto che ha questa mamma è meraviglioso, il momento che il piccolo è uscito è stata molto attenta a non farlo cadere, e come lo stringe a se, dolcezza infinita. Grazie per aver condiviso questa emozione!❤️🍀❤️

[@kingquad6677]

Very very very very very cool! Great for her & great for them both! I hope they both live another 45 yrs

[@swizzleproxi4810]

poor girl, in the wild she would be surrounded by other females helping her , guiding her no doubt, non the less she managed & she was amazing gently but securely cradling her newborn then checking if its boy or girl, 🥰👍

[@piaauman9020]

those nursing shots are absolutely beautiful 😍🥰

[@bumblefish.]

Absolutely amazing - totally agree...a pure privilege to see. Go Mom and baby.

[@karenlawton2549]

I was so worried he was going to fall off the edge when he came out, but Samantha immediately grabbed him! What a great mommy ❤️❤️❤️

[@onlineteaching6110]

Nature has already developed an instinct of sensing height in Gorilla and saving a newborn from falling. What a miraculous response of Mom! All Moms are great!

[@evangelineyap4990]

Love how she bond with her baby. ❤

[@marjie4102]

Oh God so beautiful❤❤❤❤ Samantha feeling like a marvelous Mom and her baby is so so cute😍💗🦍❤️

[@starlight7159]

I’m glad she was left alone and no intervention!

[@melissawarfield]

I was totally amazed on how fast the birth of the baby gorilla went. For being a first time Mom, she did an excellent job. Dad was right there. I cannot wait to see more videos in the upcoming days. What a beautiful and sweet baby.

[@raxeiro]

just so hurtful to see these wonderful creatures in prision. They deserve freedom!

[@karencawthorn3173]

Thank you so much for sharing such precious moments with these darlings.

[@crystalferguson9138]

So amazing to see to see such beautiful beautiful animals 😍

[@obviouslyurnotagolfer148]

Congratulations!!! To mom & baby, daddy, and the Park. Good job to all!

[@clovelly1946]

What a wonderful mum she is.

[@tessg5371]

Such a good first time mama, absolutely beautiful.🙂💖

[@jnmcc7782]

How to make grown man cry , so loving and innocent why are we stealing there habitat

[@Wanderer2035]

How is it that humans need a team of other humans to help them deliver a baby, but all other animals can do it perfectly fine on their own

[@lilliankeane5731]

She seemed to know exactly what to do… incredible birth, the way she tenderly protected him … 💕.

[@queencerseilannister3519]

Instincts.

[@lilliankeane5731]

@@queencerseilannister3519 yes.. it’s incredible when it happens how it should.

[@deputybadass1356]

​​@@queencerseilannister3519 Sounds like u are undermining their love and ability! Let us ignorants, delight in their amazing behavior!

[@urban_fox4658]

Wow. I was thinking, "Oh, move away from the side, Samantha!" But she got more comfortable, reached down, pushed, and then grab her baby up so fast! Cleaning baby's mouth and nose repeatedly, making sure he/she could breathe. And knowing to nurse immediately (it makes Mama produce oxytocin, which is not only a strong bonding hormone, it strengthens contractions so the afterbirth can be delivered) ...But oh, man ... her adjusting baby's lips and mouth when the latch of nursing broke and caressing her baby's face 😭❤❤❤ I remember doing that dozens of times with my newborns as I lulled to sleep as they nursed ... Oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine ... Nature's morphine! Lol Just amazing! And I'm so glad Daddy got to be there. He'll have his special bonding time, as well. I love the way she jumped up each time he approached, like, "Hold on. Not yet," and he just waited patiently, watching, and probably admiring. I wish I knew what they were thinking in those moments! PERFECT delivery! She's already a powerhouse and Supermom!

[@leaedenk5975]

I WISH THEM LOTS OF LOVE AND TO BE HAPPY ❤❤❤

[@wenderella81]

Absolutely incredible. Why these animals don't have the same protections as humans, blows my mind.

[@michelefred68]

She sure is a proud momma ❤ beautiful 💜

[@therelaxationstation5258]

Poor mama.. going through all that pain without help or painkillers. Pure agony.

[@rebeccawright4371]

She did exactly what God instilled in her to do! Good job momma!

[@carrolynschollianostuni1173]

So precious.

[@hom0s4cer]

oh, they lay some grass on the concrete for the gorilla to give birth. How nice of you...

[@elliemathews6884]

Imagine expecting her to leave her baby for 8 plus hours a day so she can go back to work . Yet this is what is expected of human mothers today. This is not good for mother or child.

[@hugejohnson5011]

She knew how to "assume the position" and catch the turd before it flopped onto the floor. Nearly as if she had been to "Apebirth classes"! Best of luck to all.

[@fosterjackiefoster3259]

So touching!!🥲❤️

[@julieherring7749]

The baby is sooooo bright and aware, he/she is so pretty, much love to mum and dad ,I noticed he came in just after the baby made its debut, so beautifull thanks for this beautiful video .

[@BunsenHoneydew001]

It's like she can't hold the baby close enough ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suesmith3744]

This is so precious , such beautiful and intelligent creatures 🦍

[@Blue-Dog]

So sad it has become necessary to keep endangered species in zoos. Humans truly are the greatest threat to all life.😔

[@L_Jan_Turner]

The wonder of new life. So beautiful.

[@yf4012]

Samantha did do great!🥰

[@ildadiasbarbosaribeiro9965]

Nossa vídeo mais lindo dessa vida. Olha o carinho dessa mamãe com seu filhote.Amoooooo🙏🏻💗

[@Sensual_kumquat]

And she didn't even need the machine that goes PING!

[@MJ1919]

We think we are the superior species. We need classes and doctors and midwives. These beautiful people just get on with it and ❤

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

So beautiful !

[@srbarkerchan]

For a first time mom, she really looks like she knows what she's doing.

[@mistybollinger3312]

Yes very precious!! 🥰🥰 but I'm not understanding how it was critically endangered?!

[@judithjermark3367]

Thank you for sharing this amazing birth. Congratulations Albuquerque Bio Park and Mom and Dad for making this birth possible. Baby Gorilla is a blessing to our world. 🙏

[@windybassham3130]

She's a good mom.

[@katnip6289]

She's a good mom.

[@kimberleypex]

Instinct is love . This is pure natural love 💕 ❤💕CONGRATULATIONS MOM AND DAD 🙊 little baby is born ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@dh2682]

Yes was worried `too ,surely there should be a one level area.

[@sandramoore8903]

I'm glad they let the parents do things naturally, without taking the baby away from it's mother.

[@Zenobiadream]

Wow when she caught her baby that was incredible . She’s so gentle

[@jessies1000]

What a good momma.❤

[@Christ_Is_Life10-10]

It’s amazing how she knows how to feed her baby. Daddy wanted a look and she said “nope” and left him hanging. Very good mom.😊❤

[@kixigvak]

That wasn't dad but rather another female.

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

Wonderful video to start the day

[@danimatt100]

Amazing Momma skills

[@lynngold1865]

Congrats!!!!Mama is a natural.Wonderful video.thank you.💖🦍💙🦍

[@myrtleborodziuk7163]

OMG it was beautiful she knew what to do instinctively ❤️

[@eddelwel1198]

Shes a good mother,Marijke Delwel , Utrecht ,Holland

[@bettythompson7177]

Awww what a cutie