Milestones with Mijadala

Hey everyone, my name is Sarah and I’m a member of the gorilla care team. If you’ve visited us recently, I’m sure you have noticed how big Mijadala, our youngest troop member, is getting. It’s crazy to think that she’ll be turning 2 years old in September! She has made quite a few large steps within the last year. Not only has she become more independent, but she has also been trying quite a few different solid foods. Even though she still prefers her mom, Kudzoo’s, milk, grapes and bananas have become her new favorite solids. She has reached that age where if it’s on the ground, it goes in her mouth. Yes, gorilla moms have to deal with this too, not just human moms!

She has also gained quite the personality. Mija has become one of the silliest kids in the troop, giving Anaka, her 4-year-old sister, a run for her money. She really likes to hang upside down while beating her chest like a goofball. You can often see her being passed around and carried by the other kids, especially 6-year-old Merry Leigh. This is actually very important for the younger kids because this allows them to learn important maternity skills to help prepare them for when they become mothers themselves someday. I hope to see you guys at the Zoo this spring, maybe around Gorilla Habitat 3 watching our dynamic family group. Hope you all have a great week!
Sarah Himmelspach
Keeper I, Primates