SO MANY BABY GORILLAS! | The Bronx Zoo | July 14th, 2016

7-14-16
I think it's safe to say that the Bronx Zoo's Congo Gorilla Forest is becoming my favorite exhibit. I've already had several very memorable visits to this amazing exhibit, and after my visit on Thursday, you can add another one to that list.
In addition to seeing the zoo's male okapi, I was fortunate to see a pair of red river hogs, and even a few mandrills, including the big male! (I'll be posting those videos soon.)
But, this was quite an incredible sight. Every single female gorilla on exhibit had a baby with her, it was beautiful. And to be in the presence of so many baby gorillas was just so exciting.

[@kanokratuthairangsee1934]

They are like a human and some way much better than a human being... love watching them

[@lizzyh458]

Such a lovely video. I love the way they cuddle and fall asleep together. Thanx for sharing this beautiful moments with us!

[@kanokratuthairangsee1934]

All nice baby and mom. I love the way the hug the babies

[@suetaylor1127]

Awesome animals that deserve to be with people. They belong with people.

[@alianaweston2286]

Actually they don’t. Where they belong is in the wild with other gorillas.

[@re-vo7148]

When she hugged her baby 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@christyefuller6346]

The baby gorillas were better behaved than the rowdy kids and the screeching adults. Couldn’t pay me enough to take that many kiddos anywhere. Takes a special person.

[@CarolynDenison]

I thought the exact same thing you just shared. The kids and on lookers have to be affecting these primates. They ruined the whole viewing experience for me too.

[@shawna6683]

⁠​⁠@@CarolynDenisonZoo visitors stress the gorillas. Zoos should have strict visitor behavior rules. The gorillas didn’t consent to captivity. The loud children are SO annoying!

[@MarieReese]

The Apes are better mothers then some human mothers and that ain't no lie

[@lynetteowens946]

Yes, and that's why I believe you

[@gracejardine6607]

2:07. Have you ever seen a more calm, patient pair of eyes? What a beauty. 💓

[@leroywinnie8300]

Great for them to multiply , we need them to prosper and not become extinct .

[@rajnairmumbai1]

LeRoy Winnie @ (^oű)(

[@leslieann54]

The Mom & baby up on the rocks look so intelligent😗

[@swamp5050]

It really is a beautiful safe haven for these incredible creatures to thrive and add to their numbers, those babies with their loving mothers is awesome to see! Thank you for giving us an upclose view of a day in the life of my favorite Gorillas, Silverbacks rule!!!

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

In speaking to several keepers, I have been able to confirm that the glass is indeed soundproof. Fear not the effect the constant chatter has on the gorillas, for they cannot hear it (or at least not close to the volume you and I can). Also, if you are going to leave a comment expressing your disdain for zoos, please provide reasons why you feel the way you do. I will typically respond with a thoughtful counterargument in hopes of having a good discussion, but I almost never receive any reply. If you are just here to spread negativity, I ask you keep your comments to yourself.

[@annettesalazar5004]

AMEN to everything you said. I am bedridden and watching your videos bring me much Joy throughout my day. There will always be that one person who feels your either saying or doing something wrong. I love your videos what a blessing it must be to be able to film these beautiful primates. Keep up the GREAT JOB...With much Love from New Mexico USA... 💜👏👏💜

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

@@annettesalazar5004 Thank you so very much for your comment, Annette. I appreciate your words. I am terribly sorry to hear about your current tribulations; I hope whatever ails you is treated successfully. For a time, I was housebound with chronic illness, so hearing these sorts of comments always hits home. I am glad you were able to find some solace while watching these videos. Thank you for your support.

[@denisebrashears1552]

I was not deliberately trying to spread negativity, I simply commented on what I saw and in my opinion and others it just doesn't look right. Please take care of them oh, they were here first.

[@lullubelljingles9567]

Glad you said something about the noise it would be torture day in and day out

[@Sammy-kn2nb]

Amen! So tired of Keyboard commandos leaving their uneducated thoughts without concrete facts to back up their arguments!

[@annecorey607]

Beautiful animals big guy thank you for sharing your beautiful video.

[@annecorey607]

Babies are awesoon and mummy too they all very cute love to watch them happies and good health good video thank you. And God Bless ,

[@mildredmassey4742]

Loved this video so much....it made my heart sing Thank you

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

Aw, well I'm happy to hear it. I appreciate you watching!

[@denisebrashears1552]

Somebody needed to rain those kids in. Like hello I'm the parent and I know you're excited but you don't need to scream and yell and ruin everybody else's moment!

[@sharonanz5522]

thak you for videos of babies. they are so sweet.

[@barbaraarmstrong4529]

They can't hear all that people noise can they? Drives me crazy just trying to get through the video.

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

@BernadetteRosaleen Galvin Don't even get me started on parents and the management of their kids in public places. All I will say is that you aren't wrong in your assessment there, haha.

[@mienamie4448]

Jaa..tieft Herrie!!😣😟😞😯😨☹..erg zielig🙁😔stilte AUB!!

[@39Hundred]

I wish the windows were tinted so the gorillas wouldn’t see the people and it would give them a sense of privacy. I would be annoyed if people just stared at me all day, everyday. Beautiful animals.

[@CarolynDenison]

With each wilted leaf she pulls off she says, : Love Me, Love Me Not, Love Me, Love Me Not, Love Me, Love Me Not. lol

[@JenelleD12]

I just don’t understand why zoo’s aren’t treated the same as if you were on safari or even in a library. It should be a place we understand we use quiet voices and keep the volume down. I understand how children are. They can be very excited seeing the animals and have lots of questions. They can also get tired and start having mega meltdowns. That’s not the animals problems though. Children keep it down in school, in libraries, they are capable of whispering. If parents can’t control their children or their children are prone to meltdowns then they shouldn’t go to the zoo until they are old enough. We should be fostering respect and appreciation for wildlife in young children. Not teaching children it’s just animals there for their entertainment same as a movie or tv show. It also peeves me when people touch the glass. I wish they wouldn’t do that!

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

I agree with you for the most part. I could get behind the idea of a "noiseless" zoo 100%. However, I don't agree with keeping children away from them until they reach a certain age. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand where you're coming from, and I myself used to think along these lines. But the issue there lies completely on parents' shoulders, in my opinion. If your kids are incapable of being quiet or staying calm, that says more about your parenting than their character (provided they don't have some kind of disorder). I think taking kids to the zoo when they're younger allows for them to build that interest and curiosity right from the get-go, and, as far as I'm concerned, the earlier they're made aware of it, the better. We, of course, can't really do much about bad parenting, but if 5 out of 10, or hell, even 2 out of 10 unruly kids gain something from their first trips to the zoo, then I think it's worth our headaches. 😅

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

Thank you for your input, though, Jenelle. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!

[@judithhstevens126]

I have wondered the same thing

[@SaltyFloridian]

I have to mute the sound on these videos. The people ruin it.

[@aprillondon2711]

The Bronx Zoo sure is increasing the birth rate of gorilla's. I agree their a large troop or family and every female there has her own baby they need more space. Maybe they are all laying because not enough space for more.

[@LukeCageforhire]

Hope the glass is soundproof. That constant bickering can by stressful.

[@thedrslimbo]

LukeCageforhire it is I asked a zookeeper

[@SaltyFloridian]

@@thedrslimbo this is such a relief for me to know.

[@deechapman4474]

Such good mommas!

[@dozer1189]

I always find it so bizarre that people gawk and laugh at animals in their "natural" environment. Like, why is it so amazing that they eat and have children?

[@shawna6683]

I think people have the notion that gorillas are violent and brutish, which they are the opposite.

[@shannon.fields]

They all look so sad watching people gawk at them all day. They need a larger area to roam.

[@thedrslimbo]

Shannon Fields clearly you haven't been to the bronx zoo because there's 2 outdoor areas and a large indoor sleeping area and play area for them

[@deadsmoke198]

Only people are bothered by being watched, animals not so much.

[@Zed.Leppelin]

@@deadsmoke198 they told you that themselves?!

[@deadsmoke198]

@@Zed.Leppelin No but if you look at people too much they start to cry.

[@TheScreamers9]

Exciting babies. Love this one.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

That is one happy silverback

[@rrsolo]

if i had to hear people talking at that volume i would be very disturbed by it. can't there be a policy of silence in this exhibit with a guard to enforce it?

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

I wholeheartedly support that idea. On particularly crowded days, walking through the exhibit can quite honestly be a stressful experience. I am definitely of the mindset that zoos should adopt noise policies similar to those at museums and art galleries.

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

Not to mention, it would help strengthen the immersion the exhibit strives to create. It's kind of hard to imagine that I'm in the Congo Rainforest when there's 50 people and their loud kids hovering around me. Lol.

[@lulurosales3685]

Esa es una madre maravillosa 😍🤩😘

[@loriweikel9551]

Soooo precious 😍

[@franciscanunez4701]

Miss this place so much

[@pandorajohnson7345]

U want some of this lettuce & spinach....its alright...we look out 4 the babies!!

[@Swedaintmyparadise]

I pray that the gorillas truly don't hear the humans

[@rosa2dogs]

ALL beautiful, any relation to Daddy Momotaro at Japan Kyoto Zoo? Momma & Baby so beautiful , the baby gorilla look like Momotaro's little son, Kintaro❣🥬🦍💞👏👍🥇🥳

[@himfanatic5]

I hope u can Label each gorilla their name the next time u record the Congo gorillas. I’ve been trying to find Fran and if she’s still in the enclosure, or if she was moved. If u know anything about Her update, reply here. It’s been so long since I visited the exhibit since I moved out of Nyc. I hope Fran is alright. 😥😊🌹

[@stellapuppy6086]

Unfortunately Fran passed away on November 2014

[@glynisakabonniekenzie7664]

WARNING! Watch without sound.

[@lkmayhew9390]

Mom’s got quite a top knot do🥴

[@Grit489]

I had to turn the volume down.

[@kokopepin7147]

Splendide

[@Nashema1]

I dont think its sound proof, why can we hear crikets and stuff that should be on the outside where the gorillas are. Idk, zoos in general are wrong. Keeping them captive, when they should be out in the wild. Unless it is like a rescue situation where they can't be released back into then wild, but even then why keep in a zoo for people to gawk at. Idk.

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

The cricket sounds are probably either from speakers - which are meant to provide "jungle ambiance" - or from some actual insects which managed to find their way into the tunnel. The glass is indeed soundproof, as a keeper confirmed to me, though *how* soundproof it is, I'm not sure. But I highly doubt the Zoo would continue to allow so many people into the exhibit at one time if the gorillas were showing any signs of distress as a result of the noise, which, at least in this video, they do not appear to be. In response to your "zoos in general are wrong" comment: I have received (and responded to) a number of comments like this, so I will try to keep things brief. The reality is that gorillas are critically endangered. This is primarily a result of habitat fragmentation (deforestation) and poaching. Gorillas have less and less space to live in the wild because the growing human population is either expanding their range and taking over what once was the gorillas' land, or outright cutting down the forests in which they live in order to build homes for themselves, or to have firewood, etc. Poachers are killing gorillas for bushmeat, or for their body parts, which they sell for money. Even though we have established protected areas for gorillas and their neighbors, they still face the same threats. Knowing that these risks are always present for wild gorillas, how can you be so confident in saying they should be out in the wild? Don't get me wrong, I agree that animals have the right to roam freely, but in reality, a peaceful and lengthy life in the wild is not guaranteed for any animal, let alone a gorilla. In zoos, gorillas receive care they would not get in the wild, such as treatment of ailments that would likely kill them if they were living on their own. I could go on, but I will stop there for now. You can let me know if you'd like to engage in a deeper discussion about this topic.

[@carriecells144]

I hope and pray the gorilla has some kind of noise barrier so it's not so loud for yhem

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

See the comment I pinned at the top of the comment section! :)

[@pdiane8299]

Can the gorillas hear the people? I hope not; they are so loud!!!

[@elizabethstops2362]

If my kids acted the way I hear them screaming in public I wouldn't take them anywhere. Parents need to parent.

[@haideludwig8998]

I was just going to ask the same thing !

[@sylviasimpson3280]

Disgusted at behaviour of humans, better for Primates to die in the Wild than have this, Breaking my heart

[@sandyg5103]

How do they get to be so strong but only eat vegetables?

[@qween.blance6583]

Those arms" are weapons" big long n strong".

[@simolav1365]

Why are people so loud?

[@beachbunny8021]

Why don't they give the precious gorillas fruits to eat?!! They love fruit because they eat banana trees in Africa. Instead they r left with just plain grass and leaves!!

[@m.a.2361]

Why so loud, there seems to be no respect for these animal or other humans.

[@deadsmoke198]

It's loud because it is amplified by the sensitive camera mic.

[@mariafletcher4055]

Fantastic zoo conditions))) a pleasure to watch these videos 😀 May I ask what and why are the two,gorillas frank and Monroe at San Diego zoo allowed to be so cruely dealt with? Why is no one at that zoo doing anything to,separate the, two male gorillas?,the younger male Monroe,is eating his fur awaymbit by bit and the older,male,gorilla they call frank,has so deteriorated in terms of energy levels. Why has that zoo gorilla enclosure not been closed down?,wherebarebthe vets from that Dan Diego zoo? Are you able,to help remedy the Dan Diego gorilla,zoo,cruelty?,pleeeease help and do something pleeeease....it is,so so,obvious the mismatch,of,gorillas. I do not understand why the Dan Diego zoo is still,open the gorilla bit anyway.....surely,you are aware,of the disgusting conditions the two gorillas are in? Are you able,to,help? Your gorilla set up is brilliant........ please help,do something about the Dan Diego gorilla situation it is beyond cruel.....

[@AxelleDomie]

les pauvres!!! que c'est bruyant!!!

[@billiespence2511]

Greif really we to have to listen to that catawalling ?? U know !! I Know I could mute But You should check out other zoo's around the world the calming music the bird song and if something happens like for example Ringo gets scared within the D'jeeco family !! It stops so we can hear that SO OF I MUTE I WOULD MISS THAT WOULDNT I ??? the noise puts me off watching this family !! So no thanks! Big edit CHECK OUT JABALI STOPPING RINGO CLIMBING DOWN A GROOVE !! THEY ARE BOTH ONE YEAR OLD JABALI A LITTLE OLDER BUT A SUPER OLDER BROTHER

[@rhondaharrison2764]

They look healthy and clean. They are at least protected living this way and have food to eat. I hate that theyre on display all the time. It has to get on their nerves

[@beausworld4621]

I wish for this beautiful creatures to be out in a sanctuary or the wild and not the zoo. I don’t mind if I don’t ever get to see them personally.. I would not wish to see one them in the zoo like most endangered species.. all those noises are disgusting and horrible for all of them..

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

The glass is soundproof, according to their keepers. The reason gorillas and most other endangered species are in zoos in the first place is because their natural habitats have either been severely decimated or are no longer safe for them. I, too, hope one day these animals can thrive in the vast populations that existed before humans, but to villify zoos for exhibiting them in captivity is to ignore the ongoing issues currently threatening their native lands and continued existence.

[@NinoG053]

@@MylotheZooLovingScientist why can’t captive gorillas (at least the young ones) be rehabilitated for eventual release in the wild? They should be protected in their homeland either in a sanctuary or in a reserve, not in a zoo around the world. It’s disgusting in 2021 apes are in zoos. People have been on the moon, im sure there is a solution but it won’t fit the narrative (they’re endangered so there for we will hold them prisoner). Sad.

[@vaclavkrcmar5213]

Všimněte si, jak jsou ti lidoopy v klidu. A jak ty lidský parchanti řvou.řvou ařvou.

[@SHERETTA123]

It's got enough sense to brush off sand b4 eating ....

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

Well, they are very intelligent animals - sufficiently intelligent to have figured out that sand isn't the most nutritious or appetizing food item. 😂

[@violetnewell5076]

The noise😢😢

[@juancarlosgomezlozano7129]

Gorila.y.rey.

[@gillianbrookwell1678]

The noise from these ignorant spectators is horrendous so to watch this I put it on mute.

[@Kathy200]

It really gets to me that these zoos think a outdoor enclosure can take the place of their natural habitat. A cage is a cage, no matter what materials they put in there to make it seem "more like home". That is so laughable. BUT...humans have made it practically impossible to let them alone and live their lives they way nature intended, in a forest, with their own kind. Shame on humanity.

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

To call their efforts "laughable" simply because they cannot replicate the wild is a bit disrespectful, in my opinion, because it doesn't take into account the things they do right. We all have our own ideas of how best to handle this ongoing extinction crisis, so no one situation is going to be perfect or ideal for all parties involved, but to fail to give zoos their due credit is unfair. The gorillas have access to care that they would not otherwise receive in the wild (including treatments of ailments that would more than likely kill them in nature), a quantity of the funds that this exhibit raises goes directly towards hands-on conservation projects in the Congo, and - however intangible it may be - one can't deny that exhibitions like this can not only help a person better understand an animal or its reality (the fact that it's a living, breathing, sentient being), but can raise awareness for a cause and inspire action. (I am a living example of that.) We can argue the potential immoralities of captivity, the potential immoralities of assuming we have the right to have animals captive and the knowledge to keep said animals happy and healthy, but the reality is that - given the current state of the Congo rainforest and its inhabitants (the same can be said for any vulnerable ecosystem and its endangered organisms, really) - zoos (those that are accredited, at least) have become, at worst, necessary evils. The "let the animals go and let them roam free" idea would be great, if not for all of the poachers ruining it for everybody. We've set up protected areas, yet poachers find their way into those, too. A successful captive breeding population doesn't sound too bad in comparison.

[@sonjavandam6120]

@@MylotheZooLovingScientist Mylo, god love your attitude, please keep informing those who remain ignorant about these majestic primates and the ongoing threat to their future. YOUR A LEGEND.!!!

[@MylotheZooLovingScientist]

@@sonjavandam6120 I very much appreciate this comment, Sonja. It means a lot, thank you. I will be the first to admit that I am not the most educated in this area, but I will always make an effort to understand the situation better. I will not tolerate one-sided, uninhibited rants that do not take into account (or ignore entirely) the wide range of variables at play here, especially any issues going on in the wild. I try to open the door to a productive discussion, and always hope to receive a response from these people once I reply, but I guess as long as I have challenged their beliefs in some way, my comment has made an impact.

[@judithhstevens126]

@@MylotheZooLovingScientist i dont get like people you are responding to above mylo … They need to get a life . I am 55 they are srupid and need to do their research . Zoos have change how they care for animals compared to when i was growing up. I want them in zoos because of predators. They do captive born raising not taking out of wild.

[@judithhstevens126]

@@MylotheZooLovingScientist no get a life do your research.

[@lyndacompton1846]

A Bronx Zoo you say New York couldn't understand a word sound like some foreign country

[@CarolynDenison]

Hearing is not the in this video is not the best. When the people talk, and kids screaming ignorant questions, it's ruins the video for the people watching at home. Normally there is nature sounds going on. Frogs croaking , and birds chirping. Sounds that are very soothing and relaxing. You could post signs for the visitors to keep their voices down. The Gorilla's don't need stress either.They are already stress enough by being held captive in a Zoo. No privacy can't be helping the citation. We share DNA with these creatures, and trust me they can't talk, but they know whats going on around them. A gorilla that can use sign language will tell you all about the poachers and the tree's all being cut down. There world is shrinking and they are concerned.

[@erinmiller1433]

Carolyn Byrd The glass is soundproof.

[@ardisallen7221]

I don't like to see animals in captivity however it's better for the animals.in their natural habitat in the wild they are hunted, shot and killed. For what, a trophy for some, a rug? Elephants are killed all the time for their Ivory tusks to be sold on the black market. At least in a zoo they are safe, secure, fed. Noone can hurt them.

[@ismailwritex9610]

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