BIOPARC Fuengirola experienced a historic day this Saturday with the birth of a baby western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), a species listed in Critically EndangeredThe event took place on November 29th at 14:50 pm, in the park's outdoor area and under the watchful eyes of the visitors, who witnessed an exceptional event in the world of modern zoology.
An extraordinary birth: in broad daylight and outdoors
The birth has surprised even the technical team. “Although the indoor area was completely prepared for a possible birth, the female Wefa naturally opted for the outdoors, under the sun and in an environment that is part of her daily routine,” says Jesús Recuerdo, technical director and veterinarian at BIOPARC Fuengirola.
EAZA approval for this breeding was granted last spring, making this birth a particularly relevant milestone for the European conservation program.
Early signs and a quick delivery
Since the previous Friday, the keepers and veterinarians suspected that the birth was imminent. Wefa was exhibiting behavioral changes, seeking out new places to sleep, and appearing uncomfortable. On Saturday morning, the team clearly observed the first contractions. After going outside to begin her usual enrichment activities, the birth began quickly and naturally, to the astonishment of park visitors.
“For many visitors, it was a scene straight out of the gorillas’ natural habitat. A gift from nature and a deeply moving moment,” the technical team noted.
First aid and group behavior
The first moments were filled with tenderness: the mother cleaning the cub, hugging it, sniffing it… while the rest of the group cautiously approached to identify the new member, always maintaining a respectful distance.
Wefa, who was born in a French zoo, has witnessed numerous births and at BIOPARC Fuengirola she observed the birth of Ekan, the other cub in the group. “She has the experience and knowledge necessary to take excellent care of her baby, and she has been doing so impeccably from the very beginning,” says Jesús Recuero.
As is typical in primates, the placenta, still attached to the baby by the umbilical cord, emerged after birth. Wefa broke the cord and consumed part of the placenta, a natural behavior that provides the protein and energy necessary for the first days of motherhood.
In the coming days, the cub will begin to cling more tightly to its mother's fur, accompanying her on her movements with complete safety.
Careful monitoring and special measures
Over the next few days, the team of caretakers and veterinarians will implement specific measures to ensure the well-being of the infant and Wefa. They will not interfere with the natural process, but will continuously monitor key aspects such as the infant nursing correctly, holding on firmly to the fur, and its behavior developing appropriately within the group. The goal is to guarantee healthy development without disrupting the gorillas' natural dynamics.
A crucial birth for conservation: the first birth in Spain this year
So far in 2025, only one gorilla has been born in all of Europe. This baby gorilla at BIOPARC Fuengirola is the second European birth of the year and the first in Spain, an extraordinary achievement within conservation programs for critically endangered species.
“It has been a wonderful day for conservation, for the BIOPARC Fuengirola team and for the visitors who have been able to witness such an exceptional event as the live birth of a gorilla,” the institution highlights.
On the conservation status of the western lowland gorilla
El western lowland gorilla It is listed by the IUCN as Critically EndangeredThe species is the category just before extinction in the wild. Its populations have declined drastically due to poaching, habitat loss, and other factors. Each birth within the coordinated European programs represents a crucial step in ensuring the future survival of this emblematic species, considered one of the great icons of African biodiversity.
