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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Welcomes First Western Lowland Gorilla Birth in Nearly 13 Years

The unnamed infant is thriving under strong maternal care ahead of its official naming after 30 days under the zoo’s breeding program.

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A baby gorilla was born at a Colorado zoo, zookeepers said.
A critically endangered baby gorilla cuddles with its mom, 32-year-old Western lowland gorilla Asha, at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. The baby was born July 21, 2025, and is the first gorilla born at the zoo in nearly 13 years. (Courtesy of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo)

Overview

  • A critically endangered Western lowland gorilla was born to 32-year-old mother Asha and first-time father Goma early July 21 at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, marking the first gorilla birth at the facility in nearly 13 years.
  • Zookeepers have observed strong maternal care with the infant nursing, clinging to Asha and reaching key early developmental milestones under the supervision of animal keeper Ashton Asbury.
  • The Primate World exhibit remains open to public viewing so long as Asha and her baby continue to thrive.
  • In keeping with zoo tradition the newborn will be officially named after it turns 30 days old as part of the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
  • Guests are encouraged to support wild gorilla habitat preservation by recycling small electronics and cell phones at the zoo’s marked collection bins.