Recently, a miraculous lens captured a mother gorilla and her baby starring in one of the most beautiful scenes ever seen. The series of photos and videos shows them cuddling. The mother kisses and cradles her offspring with so much love that the post went viral within minutes.
There is no love more wonderful than that of a mom.
The devoted mother, named Calaya, gave birth at the age of 15, a moment that did not go unnoticed. It was captured in images by members of the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, located in Washington, DC, United States, where the birth took place.
Just a few days ago, Calaya gave birth to Moke, her first baby. It was the first birth to take place at the animal sanctuary in nine years.
Because of the amazing and unusual event, the staff set out to record the tender moment for posterity. They subsequently shared the miracle of life on the zoo’s website, as well as on their respective digital platform accounts.
“We are thrilled to share the western lowland gorilla. Calaya gave birth to a male at 6:25 p.m. 4/15. His name, Moke, means ‘junior’ or ‘little one’ in the Lingala language. Keepers report that Calaya has been caring for her baby and are optimistic that he will thrive,” a spokesperson wrote.
For his part, Moke’s proud father is 26 years old and was christened Baraka. He accompanies his family, but the one who is really loving and devoted is mom.
Calaya holds her beloved son in her arms and rocks him, looking at him tenderly.
Moments later, she is seen wrapping her little boy in a web of soft kisses and cuddling. She admires him in awe, as if she could not believe so much happiness lavished on such a small, helpless and fragile being. Before putting him to bed, she cuddles him and then goes to rest inside the enclosure.
According to sources close to the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, the staff was very happy with the event. They are very excited about the happy moment, not only for Calaya and Baraka, but for everyone at the institution.
“The birth of this western lowland gorilla is very special and significant, not only for our Zoo family, but also for this critically endangered species in general,” Meredith Bastian, primate keeper, said in a statement.
According to Meredith Bastian, a gorilla specialist, the team’s main goal was to prepare Calaya as best as possible so that she could give birth successfully. All this, bearing in mind that she is a first-time mother.
It was not an easy process. It required a great deal of patience and dedication on the part of all the members of the animal shelter. However, it was achieved in the best way and today they are very proud of the results. A new member of the Smithsonian National Zoo Institute family has arrived.
For her part, Melba Brown, also a volunteer and caretaker of the fauna, assured that the authorities of the place are fully confident that Calaya will be an excellent mother. However, she will have all the medical and psychological support she needs.
Regardless of the species, the arrival of a baby is something that excites us, gives us hope for the future, soothes our souls and makes us proud. The perseverance and dedication of these people fighting for animal welfare paid off.
Now it remains to be seen how the proud new mother gorilla adapts to her environment. As they say at the shelter, within the primate group there are individuals with diverse personalities. However, we agree with Meredith and Melba: they will all work very well as they have been doing so far.
