Zoo heralds arrival of endangered baby gorilla, marking a 13-year gap in births.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Welcomes First Gorilla Birth in 13 Years
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has made a significant addition to its family. On July 21, 2025, 32-year-old gorilla Asha gave birth to a healthy baby gorilla, marking the zoo's first Western lowland gorilla birth in nearly 13 years.
Asha, the mother, is taking the lead in caring for her newborn. She has been seen gently patting the back of the baby and licking its head, while also grooming it. The father of the gorilla, Goma, has shown interest in the newborn, but the zoo team is allowing Asha to take the lead in raising the baby.
The baby gorilla has been nursing and clinging to its mother, and both the gorilla and Asha are doing well. However, the sex and weight of the baby gorilla have not yet been determined.
Goma, the father, is a well-known figure at the zoo. This is his first baby, making it a special moment for the entire gorilla family. Asha, on the other hand, is not a first-time mother. She has successfully raised two other gorilla babies in the past.
The birth of the gorilla is a significant event for the zoo and for the conservation of Western lowland gorillas. These primates are critically endangered, and their numbers are still declining. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to helping protect these animals and is working closely with conservation organisations to support gorilla conservation efforts.
The animal care team at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been closely monitoring the gorilla and its mother, and they are hopeful for a successful bonding and raising of the baby gorilla. The zoo is excited to share this special moment with its visitors and is looking forward to introducing the new gorilla to the public in the near future.
The joyous event at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has extended beyond the realm of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo family, as it also signifies a step towards the preservation of the endangered Western lowland gorillas. Asha's home-and-garden, the enclosure, now includes a new addition to their lifestyle – a baby gorilla.
