Calgary Zoo prepares ahead of expected arrival of baby gorilla in spring of 2022
The Calgary Zoo's western lowland gorilla troop is expected to grow in numbers in the coming months.
Zoo officials announced Tuesday that Dossi, a 20-year-old gorilla, is pregnant with her first baby.
The due date is set for late-April or early May 2022, but there is cautious optimism ahead of the arrival.
"Gorilla pregnancies are more likely to be unsuccessful the first time," said Jamie Dorgan, the zoo's director of animal care, health and welfare. "There are lots of challenges ahead of us but the animal care, health and welfare team will be supporting Dossi every moment along the way.
"Our goal is to create an optimal environment for her to deliver a healthy infant, where she can calmly and instinctively care for her baby while also navigating troop family dynamics."
The last successful gorilla birth at the zoo occurred in 2016 with the arrival of Kimani.
Dossi has been a member of the zoo's gorilla family since May 2009. The zoo will not separate her from the troop when she gives birth as it could potentially cause additional stress to her.
The western lowland gorilla is considered a critically endangered species due to poaching and habitat destruction primarily as a result of coltan mining for cell phone production.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.