On August 26, 2016, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a new baby to their family.
The little baby gorilla doesn't yet have a name, and the gender isn't known yet, but the little one is as adorable as they come. The baby and the mother, Honi, are both healthy and doing well.
This is Honi's second baby, but it's the first baby with Motuba, the father. Honi is 21 years old and Motuba is 31.
Baby gorillas are essentially helpless when they are very young, much like us humans. The babies depend on their mothers for everything, so the bond they form is greater than those of other mammal moms and their babies.
Just take a look at this new mom and her little baby in the pictures shared by the Philadelphia Zoo below. The way that baby looks up to Mom is so very similar to the way a human baby looks at Mom. It's truly amazing.
Baby reaches up to Mom as she cradles the tiny creature in her arms.
Gorilla babies don't start to walk until they are about 4 of 5 months old. However, they are able to cling to Mom's fur in order to help her out a bit, giving her cradling arms a break.
Baby gorillas are typically nursed by their mother for about two years. After that, they begin to put plant parts into their mouth and give chewing their food a try.
In the meantime, the mamas do all they can for their young. Sometimes though, they need a little break.
Mom's got to have a snack time, too!
Here she is tending to her baby in the shade, possibly doing a little bit of grooming.
Just look at this sweet, sweet face. What mama wouldn't fall in love with those eyes?
What an amazing sight to see. This little one is going to grow up to be big and strong with Mom taking care of him or her like this. I bet witnessing this new mom in person would be a life-changing experience.
See them in action below, and please SHARE this adorable new baby with your family and friends if you wish you could go see Mom and her baby in the flesh.
