Calgary Zoo on watch for baby gorilla

The Calgary Zoo is officially on baby watch.

The zoo has taken to social media to let Calgarians know that they’re keeping a very close watch on Yewande, the western Lowland gorilla, and monitoring her for any signs of labour.

We’re officially on ‘baby watch’! The Animal Care, Health & Welfare Team is watching western lowland gorilla ‘Yewande’, and monitoring her for signs of labour.

Follow #WICZGorillaBaby to track the baby news! #YourZooYYC #WesternLowlandGorilla #WildlifeConservation #GorillaSSP pic.twitter.com/pF0mP8p4mW

— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) May 4, 2023

It was announced in March that the 14-year-old gorilla was expecting her second child.

So far, they say she’s doing very well, continuing to participate in most scatter feeds and shifting with the troop.

The zoo says attendees may notice Yewande spending more time in the moat or in the shade when outside as a way to keep cool.

Read more: 

• Calgary Zoo expecting new baby gorilla 

• Calgary Zoo proud of baby gorilla’s curiosity

• Gorilla at Calgary Zoo celebrates 1st birthday

Staff at the zoo have also taken steps to “baby-proof” the habitat, removing large items like pods and large swings, as well as rolls of paper towel and fabric.

The animal care, health, and welfare team is adding lots of extra bedding like wood wool so she’s comfortable, according to the zoo.

They will also encourage lots of rest time for the entire troop after the baby is born.

The smallest member of the troop — at least for the time being — Eyare, celebrated her first birthday a few weeks ago.

Zoo officials say western lowland gorillas are gentle, peaceful, affectionate, and shy.

There are currently 100,000 western lowland gorillas, 5,000 eastern lowlands, 1,000 mountain gorillas, and less than 300 cross-river gorillas in the world.

-With files from Toula Mazloum