News

Baako whoops it up forzoo visitors

VISITORS to Belfast Zoo are beginning to see more of this little bundle of mischief now that he has reached the age where he can clamber on to his mum's back.

Baako the baby Western lowland gorilla is six months old and curious about everything around him at the zoo which is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

He was born to first-time mum Kwanza in August and the team at Belfast Zoo said they are delighted with his progress.

Baako means 'first-born child' and he is the first Western lowland gorilla to be born in 16 years at the north Belfast visitor attraction.

It had been feared that his father, Gugas, was infertile so there was much celebration last year when it was discovered that Kwanza was pregnant. Zoo curator Julie Mansell said Kwanza is a "zooper" mother and her baby is thriving. "For the first few months Kwanza cradled the newborn on her stomach but Baako is gaining confidence and is beginning to climb on her back and is also beginning to bond with the rest of the gorilla group, including father Gugas, Kamili and Delilah."

Ms Mansell also revealed that Kamili is pregnant and her baby due this spring so before long Baako will have someone to play with and as is tradition visitors to the zoo will most likely be asked to name the new addition.

Maeve Connolly