Rare Gorilla Birth At The Detroit Zoo, Only The Second Ever

For only the second time in the Detroit Zoo's history, a female silverback gorilla gave birth to a healthy baby girl on Sunday, July 12.

It’s historic for multiple reasons, one being that this western lowland gorilla gave birth for the very first time while in the zoo.

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Baby Gorilla Born At The Detroit Zoo

This is only the second western lowland gorilla to ever be born within the zoo, and it’s especially meaningful because this particular type of gorilla is critically endangered and part of the gorilla species survival plan, which protects western lowland gorillas.

Tulivu, the mother, gave birth to her brand new baby, which has yet to be named, as the Detroit Zoo announced on its Facebook:

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Tulivu and her baby are doing well, with mom already showing incredible maternal care as the little one reaches important early milestones. They'll be spending a few quiet days bonding behind the scenes while animal care and veterinary teams keep a close eye on the growing family. She won't be viewable to guests just yet, but we'll let you know as soon as that changes. The troop is growing, too: the new arrival is Motema's half-sibling, an especially exciting moment for the whole family.

It would be cool if they allowed the community to vote on the name of the brand new child, but it seems as though the Detroit Zoo may pick a name out of their own. If you could pick a name out for her, what would it be?