Western lowland gorilla born at Basel Zoo

A male western lowland gorilla named Xola was born at Basel Zoo in Switzerland on September 24, World Gorilla Day.

His mother is 11-year-old Makala, and his father is 14-year-old silverback Yeba.

Xola is Makala’s first offspring, and she carries him close while caring for him.

Other gorillas have shown interest, especially seven-year-old Qaziba, who has approached and touched him gently.

Makala is still keeping the rest of the group at a distance and moves to a quiet place with Xola when their attention becomes too much.

The birth comes after two gorillas at the zoo died in July: male Mobali and a newborn born to 37-year-old Joas.

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, threatened mainly by hunting and the destruction of their habitat.