A zookeeper and her gorilla friend, who welcomed their babies into the world just 10 days apart, introduced the two infants in a heartwarming moment for the new mothers.
Catherine Tidwell has cared for a 12-year-old gorilla named Adelina at the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas since the animal was born.
Tidwell is a part-time zookeeper primarily working with apes. She loves primates and developed a strong connection with Adelina.
After watching the gorilla grow up, she found out that Adelina was expecting at the same time that she was.
Tidwell told local NBC affiliate, KARK-TV, that her due date was right in the middle of Adelina’s birth window.
Similarly to humans, a gorilla’s pregnancy typically lasts around 8.5 months. There is no fixed breeding season for the primates and they give birth around every four years.
The baby gorilla was born on March 1 and Tidwell gave birth to her baby girl, Caroline 10 days later.
‘It’s actually really cool, because I was here when she was born. So I’ve known her her whole life,’ Tidwell told KARK.
Tidwell said that she and Adelina went through their pregnancies together and she would let the gorilla know when they were approaching the big day.
‘I, very often, was like, “We’re in our second trimester now,” “We’re in our third trimester,” “We’re getting close — any day!”‘ she joked.
The zookeeper brought her infant to the zoo on Tuesday and introduced Caroline to Adelina’s baby gorilla.
Tidwell said that the experience was ‘such a dream,’ and she described the first moment Caroline met Adelina’s gorilla baby as ‘surreal.’
The zookeeper said that she looks forward to watching the two babies grow up and hopes that her daughter will be able to see the gorilla baby more.
The Little Rock Zoo announced Adelina’s birth on social media, writing that the gorilla baby arrived within the expected birth window and appears to be doing well.
Adelina was the first gorilla that was born at the Little Rock Zoo and later gave birth there.
The gorilla’s father’s name is Kivu and is 33 years old. Little Rock said that Kivu ‘is a proud dad, who is taking his role seriously.’
Adelina and Kivu were recommended for breeding by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which manages the health and well- being of gorillas across 51 American zoos.
The Little Rock Zoo shared an update on Adelina and her baby on social media last Tuesday.
The zookeepers said that the baby gorilla is nursing and growing stronger each day. She is also able to control her head.
‘Adelina (mom) is more confident going outside regularly but still enjoys playing with baby while inside…she’s even been seen holding the baby up while laying on her back,’ the Little Rock Zoo said.
The zoo has set up an online registry with Otto Environmental, a group that works with zoos and animal sanctuaries to provide resources.
Adelina has been keeping her baby close, so the zookeepers haven’t determined the gorilla’s gender or given them a name.
The zoo’s online announcement has taken off on social media, with comments flooding in about the gorilla baby.
‘Such a sweet little nose and expressive face!! Adelina is doing a wonderful job!!’ one comment read.
‘Can’t wait to come see the little sweetie!!’ another added.
‘How sweet! She’s a good mommy!’ wrote a third.