Trip to Dublin Zoo anyone? Dublin Zoo has just welcomed a new little gorilla. Its mother, Lena, gave birth in the early hours of Saturday morning (16^th July). So far the gender of the new-born is unknown because Lena is being a very protective mother and won't let the zoo keepers get near it. Lena, who was born in 1984, is an experienced mother and this is her seventh baby. The baby’s father was silverback Harry who passed away in May. The new-born weighs approximately 1.8kgs and rests on Lena's chest but, luckily for us, the zoo has been able to capture some photos of it. Just look at that little face.

Helen Clarke-Bennett, leader of the animal care team responsible for the gorillas said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with the birth of the baby gorilla. The youngster is doing very well and is very bright and alert.  Within minutes the baby was feeding from mum Lena which is a very good sign.

“Lena is a great mother and so far she hasn’t let go of her newborn. She will continue to cradle the baby in her arms non-stop for the next two to three months. When she does eventually let the toddler out of her arms to explore, the youngster won’t go far because Lena will not allow the baby go more than an arms length away.

“It has been a sad time for the team after Harry’s death and this has really put a smile on everyone’s face. Big brother Kituba is taking a keen interest in the new arrival and the rest of the troop has reacted very well. The new arrival is a great success for Dublin Zoo as part of the European breeding programme for these critically endangered primates.”

The latest additions to gorilla troop joins Mayani, a 14 year old female gorilla who moved to Dublin Zoo from Stuttgart Zoo in 2005, Kafi, a six year old female gorilla, who came to Dublin Zoo from Stuttgart Zoo in 2013, Kituba, a five year old male gorilla, born in Dublin Zoo to Lena and Kambiri, a four year old female gorilla, born in Dublin Zoo to Mayani.