Western Lowland Gorilla Is Pregnant at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Washington, D.C., are making preparations for the highly anticipated birth of a critically endangered western lowland gorilla. With a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), the parents to be-20-year-old female Calaya and 30-year-old male silverback Baraka-bred in September 2022. This is the second offspring for both parents. Their first-a male named Moke [Mo-KEY]-was born April 15, 2018. The primate team is cautiously optimistic that she will deliver a healthy baby between late May and early July.
Animal care staff used a common human pregnancy test to confirm that Calaya had successfully conceived. Because the team trained Calaya to participate voluntarily in ultrasounds, they have been able to monitor fetal growth and development throughout the pregnancy. However, just as with any animal pregnancy, there is a possibility that miscarriage, stillbirth or a complication could occur. The Zoo will provide updates on its gorilla troop through its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels using the hashtag #GorillaStory.
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