COLUMBUS: The longest-living gorilla on record has another great-grandbaby.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said a baby western lowland gorilla named JJ was born there Wednesday. The newborn’s gender has not yet been determined as it bonds with its mother, Tabibu (tah-BEE’-boo). Both are expected to remain behind the scenes for several months.
The baby gorilla is descended from the zoo’s well-known gorilla family. Tabibu is the 32nd gorilla to be born at the zoo.
Fifty-nine-year-old Colo is considered the oldest gorilla on record. She still lives at the Columbus Zoo, where she was born. JJ’s father, Macombo II, is Colo’s grandson. He and his brother, Mosuba, were the first gorilla twins born in the western hemisphere.
The naming of the newborn was auctioned off at a zoo fundraiser.
“The Columbus Zoo is a leader in gorilla conservation projects around the world, and we are so proud to help protect this species from extinction right here in central Ohio,” said Tom Stalf, the zoo’s president and CEO.
“This young gorilla will inspire visitors to care more about the animal world around them, which is core to the Columbus Zoo’s mission.”