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Western lowland gorilla News Archive
Jul. 27, 2018
Check out the latest update on our 3.5-month-old gorilla infant from primate keeper Melba Brown.
Jul. 13, 2018
Western lowland gorilla Moke is learning to walk! This week, he spent some quality time with 9-year-old Kibibi.
Jun. 29, 2018
Read the latest update on the Zoo's 10-week-old western lowland gorilla, Moke, and watch a video of him trying to take his first steps!
Jun. 22, 2018
Primate keeper Melba Brown says 9-week-old western lowland gorilla infant Moke is taking in all of the sights, sounds and scents around him.
Jun. 15, 2018
Today, Moke turns two months old! He is just as curious as ever, but now he is becoming bolder and more interested in those around him.
Jun. 08, 2018
In the past two weeks, our western lowland gorilla infant, Moke, has sprouted two new teeth! When he was five weeks old, the primate team observed two lower incisors break through his gums. Now, at 7...
Jun. 01, 2018
At six weeks old, western lowland gorilla Moke is already showing interest in exploring his surroundings. Despite his adventurous spirit, mom Calaya continues to hold her infant close.
May. 25, 2018
At 5 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke continues to thrive, and keepers are beginning to see how his personality is developing. He is very curious and wiggly!
May. 18, 2018
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is dedicated to saving species. Every day, its scientists and partners undertake important conservation efforts to protect species...
May. 18, 2018
Western lowland gorilla infant Moke turned one month old on Tuesday! He continues to do well and remains bright and alert.
May. 04, 2018
At almost 3 weeks old, western lowland gorilla infant Moke is growing quickly and is starting to take in his surroundings.
Apr. 27, 2018
Moke's on the move! The 12-day-old western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo continues to do well.
Apr. 23, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, at 6:25 p.m., we welcomed our seventh western lowland gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!
Apr. 17, 2018
On Sunday, April 15, western lowland gorilla Calaya gave birth! Calaya and her newborn son, Moke, are resting and bonding in the Great Ape House.
Apr. 16, 2018
For the first time in nine years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are celebrating the birth of a male western lowland gorilla.
Apr. 06, 2018
The Great Ape House is awaiting the arrival of its newest resident! Keepers have been watching western lowland gorilla Calaya’s sleep patterns, appetite and socialization, as any changes in her...
Mar. 30, 2018
As western lowland gorilla Calaya nears the end of her pregnancy, keepers at the Great Ape House are keeping a close watch on her, monitoring for any indication that she is in labor. Calaya is due to...
Mar. 23, 2018
Primate keeper Melba Brown discusses nutrition for pregnant western lowland gorilla, Calaya, and the significant role of milk for her infant.
Mar. 02, 2018
Expectant animal mothers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo often undergo maternal training to ensure that they are successful parents to their new offspring. In addition to training the mothers-to-be...
Feb. 23, 2018
Family dynamics and relationships can be complicated, even among gorillas. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Great Ape House is home to two groups—called troops—of western lowland gorillas.
Feb. 16, 2018
Primate keeper Melba Brown trained the Zoo’s pregnant western lowland gorilla, Calaya, to participate in ultrasounds.
Feb. 09, 2018
When it comes to caring for babies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, it takes a village. For western lowland gorilla Calaya, her village of support is the great ape animal care team and her primary...
Jan. 26, 2018
Everyone likes to have a cozy place to sleep. Western lowland gorillas, however, rarely sleep in the same bed twice.
Dec. 18, 2017
Western lowland gorilla Calaya recently entered her second trimester of pregnancy. Just like other members of the great ape family—including humans—gorillas experience weight gain, and some...
Dec. 01, 2017
When western lowland gorilla Calaya first arrived at the Zoo, she was unfamiliar with many husbandry behaviors. Then, one Day, animal keeper Melba Brown had an 'aha' moment. She noticed that Calaya...