by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Port Lypmne wild animal park is welcoming its latest arrival - a little baby girl gorilla, the 130th to be born under the Aspinall Foundation.

The unnamed infant was born on April 26 to mother Kishi and father Djala. The family group of 13 gorillas is housed in the Palace of The Apes which is the world’s largest gorillarium.

Head keeper Phil Ridges said: “It is absolutely fantastic to welcome our 130th gorilla birth at the parks in just over 35 years.

“It works out at an average of three-and-a-half baby gorillas a year since our first birth in 1975, so we are doing well. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered and if their numbers keep declining they could face extinction in as little as 10 or 15 years.”

• This birth follows quickly after gorilla babies number 128 and 129, Jouki and Bou, who were born in January and February.
  To find out more visit www.aspinallfoundation.org