Mija is turning 1!

Hello again everyone! I wanted to let you all know that we have a special birthday coming up in the Primate Department. Our youngest gorilla, Mijadala, is turning 1! Her birthday is September 18.

It’s hard to believe that she will be a year old already. She has achieved a few milestones already. She can crawl and climb independently of her mother, Kudzoo. She is also beginning to eat solid foods, although she will continue to nurse until she is 3 or 4 years old.

You will also notice that her older siblings are taking turns babysitting her. This babysitting is a very important part of a young gorilla’s social development. They start learning now about proper infant care so that when they are older and have their own offspring, they will know how to care for the infant. Kudzoo keeps a close eye on what’s happening. If things get too rough, she will step in and get Mija back safely.

Stop by and visit our family group in Gorilla Habitat 3 on Monday, September 18. We will be celebrating Mija’s first birthday with special treats at 1:45 p.m.
Kristina Krickbaum
Keeper II, Primates