Keepers were surprised to go into work on October 15th to find not one but two Gelada babies have been born to separate mothers. It was knowledge that females Tana and Addis were both pregnant but the odds of them giving birth on the same night were very slim. It also opened a possibility that twins were born however over the next few weeks it became clear they were separate babies. They both share the same father, Ebano, so technically could be twins.
These babies are very special to me as I spent hours with them when they were only 2 days old. Keepers had asked for my help to assess the situation and try to work out if they’re twins and if possible to sex them. As they were still only tiny, they were hardly leaving their mothers grasp. I had to wait hours for the mothers to turn the babies upside down and clean their bottoms to encourage them going to the toilet. It didn’t take long for me to sex Tana’s baby as a boy, who keepers have named Kaleb. The other baby however was significantly smaller, redder in the face and perhaps not as physically strong as the little male. Eventually Addis moved the baby in a way which gave me a glance and I was sure the little one was a girl but I had no photographic proof. It wouldn’t be until the week later that I managed to get proof that it was indeed a little girl, which keepers have named Zala.
It was so hard staying quiet on social media when I just wanted to show all the precious moments I was capturing of both babies, especially little Zala who I affectionately named ‘Pia’ before she was named. Zala has become so relaxed in my presence that she’ll often come over to the glass and chatter back to me which is a form of communication. Both are now a few weeks old and getting up to all kinds of mischief for Tana & Addis who try to forage with that hands firmly grasping the little ones’ tails. The now big sister, Mekele, who is under a year old is especially curious about the new additions and will often try to play.
I’m delighted to show a few photos that I’ve taken since my first encounter with them and I can’t wait to watch them grow up into healthy happy Geladas!
