Miliki and baby

The birth of Blackpool’s first ever critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla has been hugely anticipated by zoo staff and visitors alike since the pregnancy was announced in December.

 The beautiful bouncing baby, whose sex is yet to be confirmed, was born during the night and was found by keepers suckling from proud new mum Miliki on Friday 7^th May.

 Although mother and child are on public view, sightings of the baby have so far been rare, as it will spend the next few weeks clinging to Miliki’s chest until it builds strength and co-ordination.

 At between eight and twelve weeks it will start to crawl and ride on its mothers back before learning to walk at around nine months.

A second important baby, a Pileated gibbon, was born the day before the gorilla to 20 year old, first time Mum, Ivy.  Both are doing well.

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Look how they have grown…

The first lion cubs to be born at Blackpool Zoo for more than 25 years will celebrate turning one on Friday 9^th of April.

Like all lion cubs, Luna, Kimya and Nikita were born helpless and blind but, with the care of their mother, Gillian, they have positively flourished at the zoo.

They were given full access to their new home in June 2009 and, after receiving all their inoculations, they were introduced to the rest of the pride, including ‘proud’ first time father Wallace, in August.

Jude Rothwell, PR and Marketing Coordinator at Blackpool Zoo said: “It has been wonderful to see the three girls grow over the past year and they have become a firm favourite with visitors of all ages.

“Watching how they interact with other members of the pride and mimic their hunting skills has been amazing and we are looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring.”

The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of thirty to fifty percent over the past two decades in its African range.

Zambar’s door to the outside world is open, but he’s very reluctant to step out there! Watch this space!

Zambar, the male Amur tiger, has arrived safely after a long journey from Marwell Wildlife. He seems very chilled and is being left to settle into his new home.