It’s rare to get a second chance in life, but there’s been a very special one at Mogo Wildlife Park.

Lowland gorilla Kipensi has become a mum for the second time, welcoming a new baby gorilla in early February.

Bub is so new no one is certain whether they’re a boy or a girl, and they are yet to be named.

Australian Wildlife Parks managing director Chad Staples said while every baby at the park was celebrated, this one’s birth was particularly heartwarming.

In late 2022 Kipensi had her first baby, Kaius.

Due to a medical emergency, she wasn’t able to care for him. Kaius subsequently contracted pneumonia and had to be hand-raised by Chad before his aunty G-anne became a surrogate mum, and Kaius was integrated back into his family group.

“It’s so beautiful to see Kipensi get the opportunity to look after a baby,” Chad said.

“It’s another huge step in the amazing journey this family has been on and they’re doing so well.”

Another plus is that Kaius doesn’t have to share with his new sibling, as he and surrogate mum G-anne maintain a strong connection.

The gorilla family at Mogo Wildlife Park is made up of Kipensi and the new baby, G-anne and Kaius, Kipensi’s mum Kriba, and father to both baby gorillas, Kisane.

Gorillas in the wild live in highly complex social groups and Chad said the growth of the Mogo Wildlife Park family had brought out the best in each gorilla.

“Grandma is very observant and Kaius is very curious,” Chad said.

“They’ve had a few little introductions but Mum is very protective of the new baby, carrying them around and doing everything she is supposed to.

“She was always going to do well but she was dealt a tough start with Kaius.

“As challenging as it was with him one of the biggest losses was we didn’t get to see Kipensi be a mum straight away.

“We’re thankful everything has gone so smoothly this time and she has the opportunity to just be a mum and do it so well.

“Dad’s doing everything he’s supposed to, which is very little other than make sure everyone is OK.”

The new baby has already been on display for visitors, and Chad said Kipensi was comfortable with the attention, setting up a nest as a base but moving around the enclosure comfortably.

While no one wants to put pressure on a newborn, as a new member of a critically endangered species this baby has some high hopes riding on its back.

“It’s massive,” Chad said.

“Every single individual born is of huge consequence to the species, and this birth will be heralded around the globe.”

Original Article published by Zoe Cartwright on About Regional.