A critically endangered gorilla has welcomed a new baby months after her firstborn died last September.

The new western lowland gorilla was born on Wednesday, Aug. 19 in Bristol Zoo in Bristol, United Kingdom. Kala, the 9-year-old mother, gave birth naturally, as per the animal center’s website on the same day.

Read also: Need a bit more human contact? So do London Zoo's gorillas

The World Wildlife Fund classifies the said species as critically endangered.

Her mate, Jock, and the rest of their troop stayed nearby while Kala was in labor. Following the birth, keepers at the zoo spotted Kala cradling her child in her arms the next morning.

“We are all thrilled. There is something very special about seeing a newborn baby gorilla, they are such an iconic and charismatic species,” said Lynsey Bugg, curator of mammals at the zoo.

Bugg also noted that Kala is a “very attentive” mother and has been taking good care of her child.

“It’s very early days but we are cautiously optimistic,” she was quoted as saying. “The early signs are good and the baby looks to be a good size and is strong.”

Kala’s first baby died back in September 2019 just a week after she underwent an emergency Caesarean section, BBC reported on Aug. 22.

Though the zoo’s staff are excited over the new gorilla, Bugg explained that they are not yet certain of its sex. The baby now joins a troop of six gorillas, the report said, which are all part of a breeding program to help protect their species’ future. 

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