Gorilla Dad Sweetly Refuses to Give Baby Back to Mom at Zoo Atlanta
Just like us humans, animals need to bond with their babies. Baby gorillas normally develop a very strong bond with their moms, and while dads are around, they don't develop the same strong bond with them. But recently at Zoo Atlanta, new dad Willie B. Jr. and his baby, Willie B. III, have been spending a lot of time together, and as the Zoo says in their caption, "we wholeheartedly approve!"
The Zoo shared the cutest video in mid-September of baby Willie hanging out with his dad. Dad's out walking around with Willie hanging on to his back enjoying the ride. They also show the two just hanging out in their indoor habitat, with dad holding the baby close. Watch what happens when mom comes in and tries to take the baby back...it will totally make you smile!
As soon as Willie Jr. spotted mom coming towards him, you can tell he's not ready to give the baby back - you can see it in his eyes! I cracked up when dad looked at mom like he was saying, "Nope, not yet!" and walked out with little Willie! What a good dad, especially considering most gorilla dads aren't that hands on!
Commenters loved Zoo Atlanta's video as much as I did. @Daisy pointed out, "The way he left when the momma came, like nope, get your own, this one is mine!" @BB_Steelerfan noticed it too, "The look he gives to her when she comes over and sits down. LOL!" and @longtallnanny added, "That’s a hard no! Not sharing!"
Related: Zoo Atlanta Shares Video of Baby Gorilla ‘Trying Out His New Teeth'
Baby Gorillas Growth
Much like our human babies, baby gorillas (they're called infants for the first couple of years of their life) are so fun to watch because they are so playful and curious about the world around them. For the first six months of their lives, they are attached to mom 24/7, usually by holding on to her stomach or back. Willie is growing quickly, and you can see in other videos that he's starting to explore more independently but his mom is always very close by.
Willie will stay with mom for the first four years of life, during which time the two spend time bonding (and with dad too!). Mom will teach him how to groom, find food, how to build a nest of his own, and introduce him to other the males. Willie Jr. will also spend time with him, and from the looks of it, he might spend more time with him than other gorilla dads do with their young, Baby Willie's a lucky little guy! Gorilla dads will occasionally let their little ones sleep in their nest with them. I'm sure Willie's mom would appreciate a good night's sleep!
I hope the Zoo continues to share videos of this gorilla family. We all love watching baby animals and seeing the love that these gorillas all have for each other is pretty amazing!
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