Detroit Zoo welcomes its first baby gorilla born in captivity

DETROIT, Mich. (WILX)—The Detroit zoo welcomed its first gorilla born in captivity on Thursday.

The zoo said that on Aug. 8, gorilla Bandia became the proud mother of the first gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in its 96-year history.

Bandia gave birth at 2 a.m. Thursday, the zoo said the baby is healthy and under her care.

The zoo gave Mshindi, who is the father, and the rest of the gorillas extra “baby training” before the birth. They are keeping their distance but are very curious about the newborn.

The Great Apes building and the gorilla’s outdoor habitat were temporarily closed to zoo guests, allowing the new mother a calm place to bond with her baby.

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