Photos & Video: Injured Baby Gorilla Reunited With Mother
By Samantha Abernethy in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 18, 2013 10:00PM
The baby gorilla who was injured earlier this year has been reunited with her mother. Nayembi, 8 months, and Rollie, 16, have been able to see and smell each other for several months, but now the female western lowland gorillas are back together and hanging out with baby Patty, born a month before Nayembi, and her mother Bana, 18.
Nayembi suffered a severe facial injury in February that required emergency surgery. She and Rollie have been separated while Nayembi healed, as a precaution.
"This is exactly what we have been working toward, and seeing Nayembi back in Rollie's arms is incredible," said Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy. "Both gorillas seemed to pick up right where they left off with their mother/daughter relationship."
Nayembi is also bonding with her half-sister Patty, and the two are already starting to play together. Eventually the four will be re-introduced to the other three members of the troop.
Related:
Lincoln Park Zoo's Baby Gorilla Recovering From Facial Injury
Lincoln Park Zoo's Baby Gorilla Thrives After Facial Injury
Video: Lincoln Park Zoo's Baby Gorilla Eats Broccoli, Does Other Cute Things