HEARTWARMING MOMENT MOTHER GORILLA GENTLY KISSES HER NEWBORN BABY AFTER GIVING BIRTH AT US ZOO

A mother gorilla and her newborn infant share a touching moment in this extremely wonderful footage. It is said that the love between a mother and her child is the most powerful force on Earth, and judging by how this mother-baby pair bonds so quickly after meeting for the first time, that is more than true!

A Western Lowland gorilla embraces her newborn baby boy in the kindest of ways, as seen on camera at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The occasion was made much more memorable because Calaya, a 15-year-old gorilla, gave birth for the first time, causing everyone at the zoo to hold their breath. Thankfully, no one was disappointed, as Calaya and her adorable baby Moke won everyone’s hearts right away. The baby’s name is Lingala, which means “small one” in the Lingala language.

Calaya showered his son with loves and embraces while gently holding him in her arms to reassure him that he will always be cherished and protected. Because the Western Lowland gorilla is a highly endangered species native to Africa, every birth is a special occasion.

“Not only for us [Smithsonian’s Zoo], but also for this severely endangered species as a whole, the birth of this western lowland gorilla is really remarkable and momentous,” said Meredith Bastian, curator of primates at the zoo. “Given that Calaya is a first-time mother, our goal was to set her up for success as best we could.” I am quite pleased of them [the zookeepers] as well as Calaya.”

Watch the adorable moment here: