Two Gorilla Babies: Mobi Is Now Standing and the New Baby Has a Nanny

The 32-year-old female Shinda holding the baby of her half-sister, 31-year-old Kijivu. This situation is due to the close relationship the two gorillas have; they have lived together all their lives. Also pictured on the left are the 26-year-old male Kisumu and the 11-year-old female Duni. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

 Kijivu has known Shinda all her life, they have never been separated, which is why she has a lot of trust in her. Just a few days after giving birth, she readily lends the baby gorilla – also a female, according to preliminary observations so far – to her half-sister so she can cradle and groom her. Shinda is proving to be an experienced mother now, and even in her role as nanny she instinctively tries to feed her niece or nephew.

Ajabu, who has just turned into an eight-year-old gorilla adolescent, is showing the most interest in the new cub, as he is also in Mobi. He doesn't miss a single opportunity for even a fleeting touch. It's as if he's checking to see if his new mates can come out to play. The leader of the troop, Kisumu, keeps a watchful eye over everything, and if Ajabu bothers the females too much, he doesn't hesitate to warn the youngster.

A typical scene at the Dja Reserve: Kijivu (left) with a two-week-old cub on her chest or belly and Duni (right) with Mobi, who is just under four months, on her back as she walks round the pavilion. Photo Jaroslav Šimek, Prague Zoo

Mobi is just under four months old, and her keepers recently discovered her sixth milk tooth. She’s also eating solids, although she doesn’t swallow yet. She is also trying to stand on her feet. However, so far, she's only managed to do so for a short while before she's back on all fours again. She is likewise trying to toddle, although it’s still with the help of Duni, who supports her tummy with her hand. On top of all that, she is trying to grab branches and ropes. In short, she is showing all the abilities that a healthy gorilla cub of her age should.

Naturally the babies are an enrichment not just for the gorilla family, but also for Prague Zoo’s visitors. Having two such small gorillas in a troop is quite exceptional, even in the context of zoos around the world. The spacious auditorium in the warmth of the Dja Reserve, where people can snack or recharge their mobile phones, is a unique space for observing the two babies as they grow, take their first steps together and discover the world.

Kijivu’s baby girl, born at Prague Zoo on 12 April. One month later - on 11 May – Kijivu’s fifth offspring will be “baptised” by Jane Goodall, the world-famous primatologist and conservationist. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo

Whilst the name Mobi was chosen by Cameroonian schoolchildren and then by the Czech public in a final vote, the second-born cub will be named after the world-famous primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall. She will come to visit Prague Zoo next month. There will be a ceremonial “baptism” of the baby on May 11^th at 11 a.m. In cooperation with the Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague Zoo is also organising a public lecture by this legendary English scientist. More information about how to register for the event will be published soon on the zoo’s web and social media sites.

Little Mobi tries to grab at branches or ropes in the exhibit as she rides on mum’s back. Photo Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo