This update was written by primate keeper Melba Brown.

At 5 weeks old, our western lowland gorilla infant Moke continues to thrive, and we are beginning to see how his personality is developing. He is very curious and wiggly! When Moke wakes up from his nap and his belly is full, he is a ball of energy. He will wave his arms, stretch and look around the exhibit like he is ready to explore.

Although Moke is becoming more alert, his mom, Calaya, continues to hold him close and is not comfortable letting him explore on his own just yet. Occasionally, she will place him on the ground and rest him against her leg. He is able to sit up on his own, so it won’t be too much longer until he’s on the move. For the moment, he continues to take in everything Calaya does and seems especially focused whenever she has food or an enrichment item in her hands. The other day, he picked up a handful of hay, and she promptly removed it from his grasp.