Bioparc Fuengirola witnessed a historic moment last Saturday (29/11): the birth of a baby western lowland gorilla, an endangered species. The birth took place at 2:50 pm, outdoors, under the eyes of visitors who witnessed a rare and exciting event in the world of modern zoology.
Read also
-
It’s the animal!
Find out why dogs smell human genitals
-
It’s the animal!
How sticky! The friendship between the dog “Tick” and his owner takes the web by storm
-
It’s the animal!
Does your dog need training? Learn how to train your dog at home
-
It’s the animal!
Therapy dogs bring love to foster homes and hospitals
Despite all the technical team’s preparations for giving birth inside the home, mother Wafa naturally chose an outdoor space illuminated by the sun, in an environment that complements her daily routine. “It was an extraordinary moment, surprising even the most experienced team,” said Jesús Requero, technical director and veterinarian at Bioparc.
Click here to follow the channel Capitals Life and style on WhatsApp
The birth was the result of an operation authorized by EAZA last spring, reinforcing its importance to the European species’ conservation programme. Since the previous day, keepers had noticed signs that birth was approaching, with behavioral changes in the female and the first contractions already appearing on Saturday morning.
Watch the video
In the first moments, the mother showed all her maternal instincts, from cleaning, embracing and sniffing the child, while the rest of the group approached cautiously. Wifa, who had witnessed other births, was experienced and dedicated to the child’s primary care. The umbilical cord was broken by the mother, who also consumed part of the placenta, a normal behavior that provides essential nutrients in the first few days.
The early days of a baby gorilla
Over the next few days, the cub will begin to cling to its mother more tightly, safely following her movements. The Bioparc team will continue constant monitoring, without interfering with the natural process, ensuring adequate breastfeeding and healthy growth within the group.
3 photos
Conditional closure.
1 of 3
This is the first birth of this species in Spain in 2025
Bioparc/Reproduction 2 of 3
An unusual birth: in broad daylight and in the open air
Bioparc/Reproduction 3 of 3
For many visitors, this was a sight outside the gorillas’ natural habitat.
Biopark/Reproduction
This birth is the first in 2025 in Spain and the second in the whole of Europe, representing an essential step towards the conservation of western lowland gorillas, whose numbers continue to decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Every cub born within European conservation programs is a vital advance for the future of this species, and a true symbol of African biodiversity. “It was an unforgettable day for conservationists and for everyone who was able to witness this special moment,” concluded the Bioparc Fuengirola team.