Utah’s Hogle Zoo welcomes a Western lowland gorilla infant, a critically endangered species

SALT LAKE CITY — A male Western lowland gorilla was born at Utah’s Hogle Zoo at 6:30 p.m. Thursday night.

The zoo reports that gorilla mom, Pele, and her baby are doing well after the natural birth. Staff will continue to monitor the pair around the clock to ensure all is going well, and they are adjusting to their environment.

Zoo guests may be able to see the baby as soon as this weekend if the two continue in this positive direction, according to Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

The zoo reports that 22-year-old Pele came to Utah from Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan. Pele was paired with Husani, a 32-year-old silverback gorilla who is a resident at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, as the zoo mentions this birth marks an important step in the conservation of Western lowland gorillas. The species is threatened by illegal poaching, habitat loss and mining.