Scores of Endangered Butterflies Slated to Be Released Along California Coast Using $1.5 Million Private Grant
Scientists working on the project told SF Gate that a mere 92 sightings of this butterfly have been documented over the past 15 years.
A critically endangered western lowland gorilla has been born at the London Zoo-and the photos are beyond precious.
A critically endangered western lowland gorilla has been born at the London Zoo-and the photos are beyond precious.
Mjukuu gave birth for the second time on January 17, following an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy and a speedy 17-minute labor.
Just moments after the birth, she could be seen gently cradling her tiny infant, before welcoming the gorilla troop's curious youngsters Alika and Gernot to examine the new arrival.
London Zoo said the birth was a cause for celebration, as western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered.
Zookeepers were carrying out their usual morning duties when they first spotted that Mjukuu was in labor. They decided to give her some space, but monitored her via CCTV cameras installed in the ceiling.
"After a very quick labour, Mjukuu was spotted on camera tenderly holding her newborn and demonstrating her wonderful mothering instincts - cleaning her infant and checking it over," reported London Zoo's Primates Section Manager Kathryn Sanders.
The infant was fathered by Kiburi, a western lowland gorilla who arrived at London Zoo from Tenerife in November 2022 as part of an international conservation breeding program.
The preservation program aims to promote a genetically diverse and healthy population of western lowlands - a gorilla subspecies - in response to their decline.
"To say we're happy about this new arrival would be a huge understatement," said Kathryn. "We've all been walking around grinning from ear to ear."
"We'll be giving mum and baby lots of time and space to get to know each other, and for the rest of the troop to get used to their new addition.
"They're as excited as we are and can't stop staring at the baby."
Zookeepers are yet to confirm the sex of the infant, who has primarily remained cradled in its adoring mum's arms.
If it is male, it could reach a height of up to 6ft.
The infant is expected to remain in close contact with Mjukuu for the first six months of its young life.
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