A baby plains gorilla is born at Bioparc Fuengirola in front of visitors

Bioparc Fuengirola experienced a historic day with the birth of a western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) offspring, a species listed as critically endangered, the step before disappearing in the wild. This occurred on Saturday, November 29 at 2:50 PM in the outdoor enclosure of the park, under the watchful eyes of visitors, who witnessed an exceptional event in the world of modern zoology.

The birth surprised even the technical team: "Although the indoor area was fully prepared for a possible delivery, the female Wefa naturally chose the outdoors, under the sun and in an environment that is part of her daily routine, indicates Jesús Recuerdo," technical director and veterinarian at Bioparc Fuengirola.

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Since the previous Friday, caregivers and veterinarians suspected that the birth was imminent. Wefa was showing behavioral changes, looking for new places to sleep, and appeared uncomfortable. On Saturday morning, the team could clearly observe the first contractions, and the delivery unfolded quickly and naturally, under the astonished gaze of the people visiting the park. "For many visitors, it was a scene typical of the natural habitat of the gorillas; a gift from nature and a deeply moving moment," the technical team points out.

First care, group dynamics, and special measures

The first moments were filled with tenderness: the mother cleaning the baby, 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 already in Bioparc Fuengirola observed the birth of Ekan, the other offspring of the group. "She has the experience and learning necessary to take very good care of her baby, and she is doing it impeccably from the first moment," assures Jesús Recuero.

As is usual in primates, after the birth came the placenta, connected to the baby by the umbilical cord. Wefa broke it and consumed part of the placenta, a natural behavior that provides proteins and energy necessary for the first days of motherhood. In the coming days, the baby will begin to cling more strongly to its mother's fur, accompanying her in her movements with total security.

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Over the next few days, the team of caregivers and veterinarians will establish specific measures to ensure the well-being of the baby and Wefa. They will not interfere with the natural process, but will continuously observe key aspects such as the baby nursing properly, clinging to the fur with enough strength, and its behavior evolving appropriately within the group. The goal is to ensure healthy development without altering the natural dynamics of the gorillas.

A crucial birth for conservation

So far in 2025, only one gorilla has been born in all of Europe. This offspring from Bioparc Fuengirola thus becomes the second European birth of the year and the first in Spain, an extraordinary achievement within the conservation programs for severely threatened species.

"It has been a wonderful day for conservation, for the team at Bioparc Fuengirola, and for the visitors who were able to witness such an exceptional event as the live birth of a gorilla," the entity highlights.