Zoo Training Humans as Surrogate Moms for Baby Gorilla
- 11 years ago
The Cincinnati Zoo is training human moms for a baby gorilla.
Inspite of the genetic similarities between gorillas and humans, can you imagine being a surrogate parent to a gorilla.
Well, several humans are indeed slated to do exactly that.
A nearly 5-pound gorilla was born in Texas at the end of January, however the birth mother rejected the infant. When no female gorillas could be found in the area to step into the motherly role, the Cincinnati Zoo took over.
The zoo plans on utilizing human parents to train, nurture and socialize the baby gorilla so it will eventually be able to adapt to an animal family. A team of 7-10 surrogates will be with the gorilla 24/7, working in 8-hour shifts for the next few months.
The human team is expected to mimic gorilla sounds and wear fuzzy black vests while holding the infant. They will also teach it typical ape behavior. After 4 or 5 months, the baby will be introduced to a real gorilla surrogate.
Last year, a 48-year-old woman, Jenny Webb adopted a baby boy elephant, named Moses. He was only a few weeks old when he was discovered at a wildlife reserve close to death.
Moses lived with Webb in her home, sleeping on a mattress, but sadly he passed away in his human mother’s arms.
Inspite of the genetic similarities between gorillas and humans, can you imagine being a surrogate parent to a gorilla.
Well, several humans are indeed slated to do exactly that.
A nearly 5-pound gorilla was born in Texas at the end of January, however the birth mother rejected the infant. When no female gorillas could be found in the area to step into the motherly role, the Cincinnati Zoo took over.
The zoo plans on utilizing human parents to train, nurture and socialize the baby gorilla so it will eventually be able to adapt to an animal family. A team of 7-10 surrogates will be with the gorilla 24/7, working in 8-hour shifts for the next few months.
The human team is expected to mimic gorilla sounds and wear fuzzy black vests while holding the infant. They will also teach it typical ape behavior. After 4 or 5 months, the baby will be introduced to a real gorilla surrogate.
Last year, a 48-year-old woman, Jenny Webb adopted a baby boy elephant, named Moses. He was only a few weeks old when he was discovered at a wildlife reserve close to death.
Moses lived with Webb in her home, sleeping on a mattress, but sadly he passed away in his human mother’s arms.