Doting mother gorilla shows off her newborn baby in playful show of affection

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:41 PM on 18th March 2011

Kriba the Western Lowland Gorilla has been showing off her newborn baby Kipenzi since her birth and has been spotted having some mother-daughter bonding time in Sydney.

Kriba and Kipenzi were playing in their enclosure at Taronga Zoo in Australia and stole the hearts of anyone catching a glimpse.

At the beginning of the year the zoo welcomed the pitter patter of tiny feet after 21-year-old Kriba gave birth.

Kriba the Western Lowland Gorilla has been showing off her newborn baby Kipenzi since her birth in January

Little Kipenzi, which means 'precious one' in Swahili, made her public debut at the end of January.

And since then she has been wowing the crowds who have been flocking to see of the adorable youngster.

The doting mother was photographed protectively hugging and kissing her little one before they started to play.

Kriba lay on her back as Kipenzi jumped on her belly before she clung onto her mother's side as they went for a stroll around their enclosure.

The doting mother was photographed protectively hugging and kissing her little one before they started to play

Taronga Zoo is currently home to nine gorillas with Kipenzi being fathered by 33-year-old, 200kg Silverback Kibabu.

She also has a big sister in the form of six-year-old Kimya.

In total mum Kriba has given birth to five babies and, according to keepers, has excellent mothering skills - protectively carrying her infant around with her wherever she goes.