Baby on the Way! First-Time Gorilla Parents Are Expecting
There’s a buzz of excitement in the gorilla habitat—our first-time gorilla parents Gladys and Mbeli are expecting a baby! This milestone isn’t just a heartwarming moment for our troop—it’s also a testament to the thoughtful planning that goes into gorilla conservation.

Carefully Planned
In zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), breeding decisions aren’t left to chance. They’re guided by the Species Survival Plan® (SSP)—a cooperative program designed to ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals like western lowland gorillas, who are critically endangered in the wild.
Until a gorilla receives a breeding recommendation from the SSP, she is on birth control—yes, human birth control. It’s the same kind prescribed to people, and it works just as effectively in gorillas. This helps zoos avoid unplanned pregnancies and ensures each baby gorilla has the best possible chance at a healthy life, with a strong social structure and genetics that benefit the entire species.

From Planning to Parenthood
Once Gladys received the go-ahead to breed, her care team worked closely with her and Mbeli to support their bond and monitor for signs of pregnancy. One of the simplest but most exciting tools in our toolkit? Human pregnancy tests! These over-the-counter strips can detect pregnancy hormones in gorilla urine, and our team is trained to collect samples through voluntary husbandry behaviors.
Morning Sickness is Real—Even for Gorillas
Just like human moms-to-be, Gladys experienced morning sickness during her first trimester. She showed signs of nausea, changes in appetite, and low energy—all completely normal, though still a little uncomfortable for her. Our veterinary and nutrition teams worked to keep her hydrated, well-fed, and comfortable through it all.
Thankfully, now that she’s entered her second trimester, she’s feeling much better. She’s back to enjoying her favorite snacks and spending quality time with her partner and troop mates.

A Hopeful Future
A gorilla pregnancy lasts about 8.5 months, so we’ll be watching closely as she continues to grow and prepare for motherhood. First-time gorilla dads like Mbeli also play a big role, offering social support and protection, even if they aren’t involved in the hands-on care of the infant.
This baby will be a critical addition to the population, and a powerful ambassador for wild gorillas who face habitat loss and poaching.

We’re honored to share this journey with you—from that first positive pregnancy test to the moment we welcome a new member of our gorilla family. Stay tuned for more updates, bump pics, and behind-the-scenes moments as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of this very special baby.

Gorilla Conservation
There are about 765 gorillas in zoos worldwide, including approximately 360 that are managed by the Gorilla SSP. Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in the wild, with fewer than 175,000 individuals.
The Cincinnati Zoo supports wild gorilla conservation efforts like the Nouabalé-Ndoki Project in the Republic of Congo with our partner, Congo-Apes. This project includes the Mbeli Bai Study, the longest running research being done with wild western lowland gorillas. Through research, local education programs, community engagement and health interventions, the Mbeli Bai Study and other gorilla related efforts there are facilitating coexistence of gorillas and people in their shared forest.