#GorillaStory: Father and Son Bonding
![Photo 1 of 2: Baraka gently cups his hands around Moke as he climbs. Gorillas Baraka and 7-month-old Moke.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/newsroom/20181111-melbabrown01.jpg?itok=yt1C_Oe5)
![Photo 2 of 2: Moke gives his dad, Baraka, a pat on the back. Gorilla Moke pats his father Baraka on the back.](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/newsroom/20181111-melbabrown09.jpg?itok=DQRpdWSe)
This update was written by primate keeper Melba Brown.
Watching our western lowland gorillas provides endless moments of fascination. The silverback of our mixed sex troop, Baraka, shared a few bonding moments this week with his 7-month-old son, Moke. Our youngest gorilla was exploring the Great Ape House indoor habitat and climbing the mesh. Baraka approached Moke and watched him for a minute, then gently cupped his hands around Moke's body. Later that day, Baraka was reclining while Moke tooled around behind him. Moke turned towards Baraka and gave his dad a pat on the back!
Last month, I wrote about Kibibi’s distinctive laugh during play bouts with her troop members. Gorilla laughs sound a bit like rapid and short exhalations. Moke laughs, too, and models his laughter after that of his favorite pal!