In an absolutely heartwarming footage a mother gorilla and her newborn baby share a tender moment. It says the love between a mother and her baby is the strongest power on Earth, and honestly, judging by how this mother-baby duo bond, shortly after they just have seen each other for the very first time, that’s more than true!
The sweet moment was captured on camera at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. and it shows a Western Lowland gorilla as she welcomes her newborn baby boy in the sweetest of ways. The moment was even more special since the 15-year-old gorilla, named Calaya gave birth for the first time, so everyone at the zoo hold their breath for it. Thankfully no one got disappointed as Calaya and her cute baby Moke instantly melt their hearts. The baby's name comes from the the language Lingala and it means "little one."
To show him that he would always be loved and protected, Calaya showered his baby with kisses and cuddles while she gently holds him into her arms. Native to Africa, the Western Lowland gorilla is a critically endangered species, so every time a baby is born it is an extraordinary moment.
"The birth of this western lowland gorilla is very special and significant, not only for us [Smithsonian's Zoo] but also to this critically endangered species as a whole," said Meredith Bastian, curator of primates at the zoo. "The goal was to set Calaya up for success as best we could, given that she is a first-time mother. I am very proud of them [the zookeepers] and Calaya."
Images credit: Smithsonian's National Zoo. Watch the adorable moment here: