W2B-021 Zoo - Environment-1.txt
BIRTH OF BABY GORILLA

Belfast Zoo proudly announces the birth of Djamba, a male gorilla, born to Delilah aged 32.

This is only the second successful gorilla birth in Ireland, and the first to be reared by its mother. The previous gorilla, born at Dublin Zoo, was hand-reared.

Allowing a baby gorilla to be mother-reared carries potential risks because the reaction of the other gorillas in the social group can be unpredictable, as can be the ability of the mother to cope with her offspring.

Delilah was brought to Belfast Zoo from across the water when her mate died, having already successfully reared seven offspring. Although relatively ancient at 32, the move has provided her with a new mate and also gives the other young Belfast gorilla females an opportunity to observe the rearing process, thereby strengthening their own chances of breeding successfully.
