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Fort Worth Zoo
As has become customary with any content related to the Fort Worth Zoo, we must precede this story with a cuteness alert. Yes, the above photos might trigger you into tears of pure joy.
This morning, the nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo announced the birth of a new baby gorilla to parents Gracie and Elmo. According to the press release, this marks the second-ever birth of a western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species, at the zoo.
And, the even better news, you won't have to wait to see this baby gorilla in action. While the zoo says he's currently staying close to his mother as he integrates and acclimates, he can already "be seen in both indoor and outdoor areas of the habitat at various times during the day."
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to hunting and disease, the western lowland gorilla is listed as a critically endangered species. The birth of the new baby is part of the zoo's cooperative breeding program for gorillas, which helps maintain a "healthy, self-sustained population of the vulnerable species to help prevent extinction.
The birth takes place just in time for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the zoo's grand re-opening in 1992 — seen as a time when the zoo shift its focus and became a national leader in conservation efforts. The celebration, which will include live music and keeper chats, will take place Saturday, Nov. 19 (and admission is half off).
