Zoo Atlanta's Baby Gorilla Has His Very First Play Date with Daddy
Just like us, animals need to bond with their babies. Judging by a gorilla and its baby at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia, they kind of act likes humans do. The gorilla dad and his baby were having the sweetest day hanging around together. And the whole thing was caught by team members from Zoo Atlanta in Georgia.
The zoo gave people on TikTok a look into Willie B. Jr. and Willie B. III very first play session in an adorable video online.
It's hard to believe that the two had never played together before because they got along with like beacon and eggs or peanut butter and jelly. They're a perfect match!
The Gorilla Care Team happened to capture the two as they spent time together in the indoor night area. Willie B. Jr. looked like any dad trying to lay on the couch and watch TV, while his little one pulled his arm and asked him to play. Come on Dad! Let's go outside! The play session ended up being a success. The zoo noted that ever since "the two have been playing a lot behind the scenes."
Related: Gorilla At the Omaha Zoo Is So Gentle With His Pet Mouse
"RIP to us — the sweetness here simply cannot be survived," the zoo joked in the caption.
The comments section was swooning. "Absolutely a precious family," wrote one person. "There’s nothing sweeter than seeing babies play!!!" another commenter exclaimed. "Awww so precious!!!! So fun seeing them all grow as a family!!!" someone else agreed. "He’s totally smiling at his son," one person pointed out.
Gorilla Offspring
It's unclear if Willie B. III is the first offspring between his dad and mom Shalia, but he definitely is a cutie. Female gorillas usually give birth around every four years to a single offspring. Gorillas can have twins, but it is incredibly rare.
Females usually gestate for about 8 and a half months. It's sometimes hard to tell if a female gorilla is pregnant because they tend to have large stomachs. Although some female Gorillas will temporarily have swollen knuckles while pregnant.
Sadly there is a 40 percent mortality rate for baby gorillas. Meaning that females tend to only have two to six offspring in their lifetime.
Gorilla babies stay close to their mamas for the first six months of their lives and then nurse for the first few years of their young lives. Silverbacks (or male gorillas) also take part in rearing their young. They tend to be gentle with babies, despite being aggressive with other adults. Just like Willie B. Jr and his little guy. He really is the best dad!
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