ROYAL OAK ~ The Detroit Zoo has announced the birth of a female western lowland gorilla, marking only the second gorilla birth in the zoo’s nearly 100-year history. The infant was born July 12 to mother Tulivu and father Mshindi at the zoo’s Great Apes of Harambee habitat. Zoo officials said both mother and baby are healthy and continue to bond behind the scenes.
The newborn is the sixth gorilla living at the Detroit Zoo and follows the historic birth of Motema in August 2024, which was the first gorilla ever born at the facility. Because Mshindi fathered both young gorillas, the newborn and Motema are half-siblings.
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(CONTINUED) Zoo officials said Tulivu is a first-time mother and has been displaying strong maternal behaviors since the birth. The zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams are continuing to monitor the pair as the infant reaches early developmental milestones and becomes acclimated to the gorilla troop.
Tulivu and Mshindi arrived at the Detroit Zoo in 2023 from the Cincinnati Zoo under a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which helps maintain genetically diverse populations in accredited zoos. Zoo officials said the latest birth represents years of coordinated planning and animal management efforts.
The Great Apes of Harambee building remains open to visitors, although Tulivu and her daughter have access to private areas and may not always be visible as they continue to bond. The zoo said additional information, including updates on the infant’s development and future naming plans, will be released as they become available
