Gila the Gorilla in Pictures

Gila is a western lowland gorilla born at the ABQ BioPark Zoo in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was born on June 22, 2024, to first-time mother Nia Lewa and father Kojo. Gila’s name honors the Gila Wilderness, the first designated wilderness area in New Mexico. Both Gila and her mother are reported to be thriving well with the support of the entire gorilla troop at the zoo. Nia Lewa was carefully trained by the primate care team to prepare for motherhood, including ultrasound monitoring and handling, but she instinctively cared for Gila without need for intervention. The birth of Gila is significant for conservation efforts because western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, and every successful birth in captivity helps support the species’ survival.