Baby gorilla bonds with father for first time at Woodland Park Zoo

SEATTLE — The Woodland Park Zoo on Tuesday said its western lowland gorilla Kwame recently was able to touch his baby boy for the first time.

Zoo officials said Kwame is the silverback of its group of western lowland gorillas and has kept his distance from first-time mom Uzumma since she give birth three weeks ago.

At first Uzumma did not want Kwame or any other gorillas near her baby, but zoo officials said she’s now letting family members get a closer look.

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“Last week, Uzumma even allowed Kwame to hold his son’s little foot,” said gorilla keeper Judy Sievert. “Kwame looked it over closely and even gently put the baby’s tiny toes up to his mouth. The baby is fascinated by his dad -- every time they interact, his big eyes gaze up at Kwame the entire time.”

Zoo officials said Kwame has show a lot of playfulness around Uzumma and the baby – signs that the group is bonding collectively.

“Uzumma is one of the most nurturing and attentive gorilla mothers we have ever seen at Woodland Park Zoo,” says Sievert. “This comes as no surprise to us as her mom, Amanda, was an exceptional mother to her.”

Watch a video of Uzamma with her baby below:

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