News

New arrival at belfast Zoo

A baby gorilla was born at belfast Zoo as the tourist attraction celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Kamili, the Western lowland gorilla, gave birth on Mother's Day, March 30.

The gender of the newborn is not yet known because baby gorillas cling to their mothers' stomachs during the first weeks of life.

The newborn is the second gorilla to be born in the last year. Baako, who was the first baby gorilla to be born at the zoo in 16 years, was born on August 3 2013. Silverback gorilla Gugas fathered both babies.

The births came as a happy surprise to the zoo, who feared Gugas would never father any young following the results of fertility tests in 2012.

Zoo curator, Julie Mansell, said Kamili was "proving herself to be a fantastic mother". "Like any expectant family, the keepers have been thinking about names in the lead up to the birth and a shortlist has been produced," she said. "The name will be announced shortly."