Even in the animal world, the promise of a new member of the family is exciting and novel. The gestation period for a baby gorilla is approximately 8.5 months and in that time, there’s buildup and wonder about the new baby that’s coming into this world!
This is a cute insight into the inner workings of a gorilla family. In fact, it’s pretty real all together, and is sort of a “family portrait” that can be applied to any animal and family, because I’m pretty sure this kind of reaction goes across the board!
At the Twycross Zoo in Atherstone, England, this endangered Western lowland gorilla family got to welcome their bundle of joy. Proud mom Ozala, 22-years-old and dad Oumbi, 24-years-old (not in the video but close by) are thrilled to have their baby Shufai, barely 5 days old in this video. Mom is cradling her newborn in one arm, the baby sweetly hanging onto her, while she’s eating a banana and enjoying the day outside.
Everything is peaceful and calm, until older brother Lopes, four years old, comes running into view, pounding his chest. Mom sees her son and turns her back to him, so he edges around to see what she’s hiding. He faces her on the other side, and drops his jaw! He does a little hop, skip and a jump, and runs around mom, tapping her on the back.
Lopes’s behavior shows how he understands that there’s a smaller version of him and clearly, he’s excited! He can’t contain himself! Then, he sits down and looks pensive. Almost as though the idea is sinking in that there’s someone else now to take mom’s attention. It’s okay though, cause now he’s got more freedom to play, and eventually someone to play with!
Click below to watch a very human moment amongst gorillas.
