London Zoo's Latest Arrival

By Londonist Last edited 161 months ago
London Zoo's Latest Arrival

Londoners can finally get a peek at the city’s latest cuddly attraction: the two-day-old baby gorilla born at the London Zoo on Tuesday - the first in 20 years - has been revealed to the camera.

The baby was born to first-time mother Mjukku on Oct 26, and as the Zoological director David Field reassures us, “‘Aunties’ Zaire and Effie were at the birth and have remained with Mjukuu throughout.”

However, there are some other sensitive family matters to sort still: namely, the baby’s introduction to his stepfather Kesho, the dominant male of the group. The baby’s own father died in March this year. There could be fireworks, but as the zoo put out in a statement, its staff “are making every effort to assist a smooth introduction and hopefully ensure the gorillas form a cohesive family group."

And we thought EastEnders was complicated.

By Chetna Prakash

Last Updated 29 October 2010