For the first time in more than 20 years, the Los Angeles Zoo is preparing for the birth of a western lowland gorilla. The mother-to-be, a 25-year-old named N’dija, came to LA from San Diego in 2018 as part of a breeding transfer program known as Species Survival Plan (SSP).
“We’re really excited to share the news of this pregnancy with the public,” said Beth Schaefer, director of animal programs at the zoo.
Zoo officials say that they’re working hard to keep N’dija comfortable, and are supplementing her diet with extra fruit and vitamins. On Thursday morning, the expectant mother sat in the sun and appeared calm and content in her habitat, which she shares with three other gorillas. The father, a male silverback named Kelly, lingered nearby.
N’dija’s pregnancy comes at a vital moment. Western lowland gorillas, which live primarily in central African countries like Angola, Cameroon and the Congo, are critically endangered, which means their population is actively declining. Koray Yilmaz, PhD researcher at the Jane Goodall Research Institute at USC, says they are highly vulnerable to a number of threats, including the bushmeat trade.
“They’re in the worst place they could be, politically speaking,” Yilmaz said. “The bushmeat trade is linked with the trade of ivory and rhino horns, and the gorillas’ value is seen primarily as a source of industry and income. Unfortunately, ‘great ape’ meat is worth its weight in gold.”
Habitat degradation due to forestry, farming and human settlement is also a major contributing factor in the animals’ endangerment, as are viral diseases like ebola. According to the World Wildlife Federation, the gorillas’ numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20-25 years.
N’dija’s pregnancy is the direct result of the SSP program. Developed in 1981 by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, SSP was designed to help ensure the survival of threatened or endangered species.
“The animals are placed on a genetic list and sent to facilities strategically,” said zookeeper Tania Prebble. Prebble acknowledges that while they cannot force the gorillas to breed, they can make arrangements to increase the likelihood. “We look for bachelor boys and strong-willed females; it’s like a giant family tree,” she said.
At eight months pregnant, N’dija is now nearing the end of her gestational period--but zoo officials aren’t celebrating just yet. As with all births, there are potential risks, including miscarriage or stillbirth.
Her caretakers remain cautiously optimistic.
“As a team, we’re expecting many ‘firsts’ with this pregnancy,” said zoo curator Candace Sclimenti. “We’re excited to share everything we’re learning with the public because we want to create connections between our guests and wildlife.”
If the pregnancy goes as planned, N’dija will give birth some time between now and January.
As for the expectant father, the situation is more familiar: Kelly has sired several offspring in the past.
“He’s very pensive, quiet and thoughtful,” said zoo representative Carl Myers. “He’s going to be a great dad.”