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Saturday afternoon families visiting Bioparc Fuengirola got rather more than they bargained for when Wefa, a western lowland gorilla, gave birth to her tiny baby in the outdoor enclosure. The remarkable scene unfolded in broad daylight under the Malaga sun on November 29, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of nature's most precious moments.

 

The birth marks a significant milestone for conservation efforts across Europe. Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, placing them just one step away from extinction in the wild.

 

Only one other gorilla has been born in Europe so far this year, making this arrival at the Fuengirola park the second European birth of 2025 and the first in Spain.

 

Jesús Recuerdo, the park's technical director and vet, admits the location came as something of a surprise for the staff too.

 

"Although the indoor area was completely prepared for a possible birth, the female Wefa naturally opted for the outdoors, under the sun and in an environment that is part of her daily routine," he explained.

 

The technical team had their hands full preparing indoor facilities, only for Wefa to have other ideas entirely.

 

The keepers had been watching closely since the Friday before, noticing telltale signs that something was imminent. Wefa had started behaving differently, seeking out unusual spots to settle down and appearing restless. By Saturday morning, contractions were clearly visible. Rather than retreating indoors, she ventured outside to join her usual activities, and that's when everything happened remarkably quickly.

 

"For many visitors, it was a scene straight out of the gorillas' natural habitat. A gift from nature and a deeply moving moment," the technical team noted.

 

The birth itself was followed by those crucial first moments of bonding, with Wefa cleaning her baby, embracing it and getting to know its scent. The other members of the gorilla group cautiously approached to meet their newest family member, although they kept a respectful distance throughout.

 

The coming days will be critical as the baby learns to cling tightly to its mother's fur and begins accompanying her around the enclosure. The keepers and veterinarians have put specific monitoring measures in place, but they're careful not to interfere with the natural process. They'll be watching to ensure the infant is nursing properly, gripping the fur securely and integrating well with the rest of the group.

 

In the wild, western lowland gorilla numbers have plummeted due to poaching, habitat destruction and disease. Each successful birth within the coordinated European breeding programmes represents genuine hope for the species' future survival.

 

Images: Bioparc Fuengirola