WCS Bronx Zoo Welcomes Two Newborn Gorillas to Troop

It's a baby boom in the Bronx as the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo welcomes two newborn western lowland gorillas - the first gorillas born at the zoo since 2006.

33-year old Julia gave birth first on March 10 and 19-year old Tuti had her baby on April 17. The troop's silverback, 31-year old Ernie, is father to both babies. The Bronx Zoo's Congo Gorilla Forest is now home to 20 gorillas -- the largest group of gorillas in North America. The Bronx Zoo has a successful history breeding gorillas as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability of animal populations in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Congo Gorilla Forest has won many awards for its design, animal habitats, and horticulture. It is also among the world's first zoo exhibits where admission fees go directly to field conservation efforts in Africa. Since it opened, more than $12.5 million has gone to support WCS's Global Conservation Programs' work protecting gorillas from habitat loss and illegal hunting throughout Central Africa.