Pictures: Adorable baby gorilla is the newest arrival at Chessington World of Adventures

 
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30 July 2012

This tiny new-born baby gorilla clutches onto its mother just days after it entered the world.

The fragile and helpless youngster, born to its mother Shanga at Chessington World of Adventures resort, has yet to be given a name as its keepers don't know what gender it is.

The un-named baby gorilla has two half brothers, Mbula and Mwana born to different mothers Buu and Asili at the zoo.

James Mackie, Gorilla Keeper at Chessington Zoo, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming another young gorilla into the group. Shanga is new to motherhood, so it’s been touching to see her bonding with her new arrival. She's even had a few pointers from here own mother, Shani.

“This is the third baby that’s been fathered by our stud gorilla, Damisi, after he was introduced in 2008, and the second this year. The Western Lowland gorilla is a vulnerable species which reproduces slowly; females tend to produce only one baby every five years on average, so for Chessington to have welcomed two babies this year really is cause for celebration.

“With the school summer holidays now kicking off, as well as all the events around London this summer, we expect we’ll have plenty of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the new born.”

Chessington has been open for 25 years this year and visitors are encouraged to check on the new arrival live on the resort's 'Gorilla cam' feed on the Chessington World of Adventures Facebook page.

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