WASHINGTON (WUSA9) — A new star has been born at the National Zoo. Baby gorilla Moke was born Sunday night at the zoo at 6:25 p.m.
The Great Ape House was closed on Monday to accommodate the new mama and her baby.
Calaya, 15, gave birth to Moke in front of zoo staff. A birth, that staff said literally brought them to tears.
"I teared up a bit, it was breathtaking," said Becky Malinski, Assistant Curator of Primates at the zoo.
Here are some things you may not know about the zoo's newest little one:
About how big is Moke? In general, gorilla babies weigh about four pounds when they are born.
What does the name Moke mean? It means junior or little one.
What is baby Moke eating? The only thing he eats is milk from his mom at this point.
Moke's mom Calaya is a Western Lowland Gorilla who came to the National Zoo about four years ago just to breed. The father is 26-year-old Baraka.
Zoo curators say these gorillas are critically endangered. They say there are less than 200,000 left in the wild.
Calaya is a first time mom, and caretakers said she is doing an awesome job, cradling the baby and even breastfeeding.
Zoo staff said the Great Ape House will open as soon as Tuesday so the public can get their first in-person look at baby Moke.
