Newborn gorilla brings joy to Dublin Zoo following its father's death

In May of this year, Dublin Zoo lost Harry the silverback gorilla – one of its longest standing and most popular residents – after he suffered a sudden stroke.

For the thousands who mourned the great ape, it will come as some consolation today to learn that a baby gorilla which Harry fathered was delivered safely over the weekend.

Commenting on the zoo's newest arrival last Saturday, Helen Clarke-Bennett, leader of the animal care team responsible for the gorillas, said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the birth of the baby gorilla."
 

Reflecting on the effect Harry's passing had on the zoo as a whole, Helen explained: "It has been a sad time for the team after Harry’s death and this has really put a smile on everyone’s face."

The newborn's siblings are enchanted by its arrival, with Helen revealing: "Big brother Kituba is taking a keen interest in the new arrival and the rest of the troop has reacted very well."

"The youngster is doing very well and is very bright and alert," she added. "Within minutes the baby was feeding from mum Lena which is a very good sign.”

The gorilla's mother, Lena, has yet to reveal the gender of the new arrival, who weighs approximately 1.8 kilos, as she is insisting on keeping the newborn close to her chest for now.

"Lena is a great mother and so far she hasn’t let go of her newborn," Helen explained. "She will continue to cradle the baby in her arms non-stop for the next two to three months."

Looking to the future of the new arrival's time at the city zoo, Helen remarked: "When she does eventually let the toddler out of her arms to explore, the youngster won’t go far because Lena will not allow the baby go more than an arms length away."

This is the seventh infant for 32-year-old Lena, and the arrival signals a much-needed boost for the gorilla troop at Dublin Zoo following Harry's sad passing at the start of the summer.