Los Angeles, December 19, 2025
The Los Angeles Zoo has seen a significant increase in great ape births, welcoming five infants in four months: three chimpanzees, one orangutan, and a gorilla. These births are crucial for conservation, as the species involved are endangered. Visitors can see the new arrivals in their habitats, reflecting the zoo’s commitment to conservation and public engagement.
Los Angeles Zoo Celebrates ‘Baby Boom’ of Great Apes
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Zoo has recently experienced a remarkable surge in the birth of great apes, marking a significant achievement in conservation efforts. Over the past four months, the zoo has welcomed five new great ape infants: three chimpanzees, one orangutan, and a gorilla.
Details of the New Arrivals
- Chimpanzees: In August, 35-year-old Yoshi gave birth to a female offspring, the first chimp born at the zoo in over a decade. Shortly after, 18-year-old Vindi, a first-time mother, delivered a healthy female infant. In November, experienced mother Zoe welcomed a male chimpanzee into the troop.
- Orangutan: In October, Kalim, a 43-year-old Bornean orangutan, gave birth to a male infant, marking the first orangutan birth at the zoo in nearly 15 years. The newborn and his mother have been bonding behind the scenes and recently made their public debut.
- Gorilla: On November 22, N’djia, a 31-year-old western lowland gorilla, gave birth to her second offspring, a yet-to-be-named infant. This is the second gorilla born at the zoo in over two decades, following the birth of Angela in 2020.
Conservation Significance
These births are particularly significant as all the species involved are classified as endangered or critically endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and Bornean orangutans among the species facing severe threats in the wild due to factors like poaching, habitat loss, and disease. Conserving these species not only protects biodiversity but also inspires community engagement in wildlife preservation.
Breeding Programs and Future Prospects
The successful births are the result of years of meticulous planning and breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA’s Species Survival Plan aims to ensure genetic diversity and sustainability within captive populations. The L.A. Zoo’s commitment to these programs underscores its role in global conservation efforts, showcasing how dedicated institutions can make a substantial impact in the fight against species extinction.
Visitor Experience
Zoo visitors can observe the new infants and their families in their respective habitats:
- Campo Gorilla Reserve: Home to the new gorilla infant and the troop.
- Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains: Where the three new chimpanzee infants reside.
- Red Ape Rain Forest: Featuring the new Bornean orangutan infant.
The zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $27 for adults and $22 for children aged 2 to 12.
Background Context
The Los Angeles Zoo has a history of successful breeding programs. Notably, in 2020, the zoo celebrated the birth of Angela, the first western lowland gorilla born there in over 20 years. These recent births continue to highlight the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation and education through entertaining and enlightening visitor experiences that foster an appreciation for our planet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What species are the new great ape infants at the Los Angeles Zoo?
The new infants include three chimpanzees, one orangutan, and a gorilla.
When were the new great ape infants born?
The infants were born over a four-month period, with the most recent birth on November 22.
Where can visitors see the new great ape infants?
Visitors can see the new infants in their respective habitats: Campo Gorilla Reserve, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, and Red Ape Rain Forest.
What are the conservation statuses of these species?
All the species are classified as endangered or critically endangered due to threats like poaching, habitat loss, and disease.
How does the Los Angeles Zoo contribute to conservation efforts?
The zoo participates in breeding programs coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure genetic diversity and sustainability within captive populations.
Key Features of the Los Angeles Zoo’s Recent Great Ape ‘Baby Boom’
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Species Involved | Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Gorillas |
| Number of Births | Five infants over four months |
| Conservation Status | Endangered or Critically Endangered |
| Visitor Viewing Locations | Campo Gorilla Reserve, Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, Red Ape Rain Forest |
| Zoo Location | 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA |
| Zoo Operating Hours | Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Ticket Prices | $27 for adults, $22 for children aged 2 to 12 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Zoo Welcomes New Gorilla Baby
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
