How Does a Gorilla Grow up?

From its first day of life, the baby is part of the group. Under the protection and control of the mother it slowly grows into the community. As soon as the mother permits the others to approach, they will look at the newborn baby, smell and touch it. At latest when the young gorilla starts moving away from its mother, the other animals seize the opportunity to make contact with it. Usually, adult gorillas will hold, carry and groom the infant, while young gorillas will try to play with them.   >

   
Friendship in young gorillas in den Virunga Volcanoes and in Kahuzi-Biega
Photos: Tina Vogt, Christoph Lübbert