Petrifying Gorilla Baby Moments

What a day. Gorilla Kala at Bristol Zoo and her baby boy gave me and other visitors quite a scare today. Kala was with her baby all day, but when she came around the hut, she didn't have the baby with her. We thought she might have left it on the other side of the hut as she moved some straw. Afia on top of the hut looking down and Kala banging on the hut below. Where is your Baby Kala? Still no Baby, ok she might be still asleep in the straw. Afia on top of the hut clapping her hands. Kala below still no sign of the baby. Everybody started to get nervous, but a staff that was there as well ensured us it's quite normal, sometimes she leaves the baby in the straw. Then a quick glimpse of the baby, but no movement and the little one seems lifeless. People asking people when the last time was anybody seen the baby move, nobody was sure. The staff was still calm, everyone else panicked. Kala kept acting unusual, but maybe just our imagination as everyone was so worried. She moved the straw again and still no baby. Then she started to slap the straw. Was the baby there? Then Afia came around the hut and looked at the spot where the baby was beforehand. It looked like she picked up the straw and looked under it. I'll bet you know how I am feeling right now. Not even the staff could say anything to keep everyone from panicking. Kala was still tapping the hay and it looked like the baby was there, a little black spot of hair visible, but still no movement. Then Kala got up, a few more taps and she moved away. No movement in the straw, just the spot of hair. Kala gone back to the spot continued her tapping. Both Afia and Kala stood by that spot of hair. Then I saw a little hand, it looked like it moved, but then nothing again. It was just terrible. Staff still repeating themself that it's normal. It didn't look normal to me. You just wanted to jump in there and wanted to see for yourself. Suddenly Kala grabs the baby's arm, pulls her up to her chest and puts the little on her back. Everyone still holding their breath and then the little one moves its eyes. What an unbelievable relief. My heart seemed like it stopped all the way through and only started beating again. They both move behind the hut and there was relief all round. Afia came out and had a funny jump and a half-hearted chest beat. Kala came round with her baby on her back. The little one had its eyes open and holding on tight to mum's back. Another sigh of relief. Some more footage of mum and baby and Kala back to her usual patting. And the best bit, the baby sticking out its tongue at the end. I do hope the baby is OK and it was really just normal behaviour.
ℹ️ Update 2025
Bristol Zoo gorilla troop will be relocated next year to Bristol Wildlife Project as their inner city zoo is closed down. Hasani was hand reared not long after this incident and Kera was his surrogate, although later shared it with Kala as she became more interested in her baby again. He's doing great now and I can't wait to visit them again after such a long time not being able to see the troop.
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