Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes New Baby Gorilla
Ok, be prepared for cuteness overload! The animal care team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has announced the birth of a healthy baby western lowland gorilla!
On Wednesday morning (May 1st), Momma Kashata delivered her brand new bundle of joy. I’m happy to say that both mom and baby are doing well. The fun news is that both of them are bonding “onstage” at Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail with the rest of the family troop. This means that you have the chance to see them during your next visit to the park.
Gender Reveal
Disney’s Animal Kingdom even did a fun gender reveal in a creative way using special enrichment tactics. The entire family joined in the celebration, lifted up to the box, and revealed to the world the baby’s gender.
It’s a girl! And her name is Grace….I love it!
The Species Survival Plan (SSP)
The Species Survival Plan (SSP) helped choose mamma Kashata and the baby’s father, Gino to find each other. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums oversees this program. They also ensure responsible breeding of critically endangered species. This includes western lowland gorillas. The program helps make sure that they will have healthy, genetically diverse populations for years to come.
GRACE Gorilla Sanctuary
Grace’s name was not just drawn out of a hat. The team of Disney animal care experts named her after the GRACE gorilla sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctuary is dedicated to helping gorillas orphaned by poaching. Disney’s Animal Kingdom animal care experts have spent more than 10 years helping the GRACE team and the local community rehabilitate orphan gorillas and protect the species in the wild.
Celebrate!
Make sure to join in Grace’s arrival celebration by visiting Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail to catch a glimpse of Kashata and the baby. Exclusive photo opportunities are also available, as well as a specialty cupcake, available for purchase at Tamu Tamu Refreshments.
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