Wiggly Baby Gorilla Shows Off First Teeth In National Zoo Photos

WASHINGTON, DC — Moke — the western lowland gorilla born five weeks ago at The National Zoo — is thriving in his new home, according to an update from primate keeper Melba Brown.

Zookeepers are beginning to see Moke's personality developing. Brown describes him as "very curious and wiggly."

"When Moke wakes up from his nap and his belly is full, he is a ball of energy," Brown said in the update. "He will wave his arms, stretch and look around the exhibit like he is ready to explore."

Zookeepers said Moke is able to sit up on his own, so it won’t be too much longer until he’s walking.

Moke is the National Zoo's first baby gorilla in nine years. He was born to mother 15-year-old Calaya, and his father, 26-year-old Baraka.

Moke (pronounced mo-key) means "junior" or "little one" in the Lingala language.

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His mother Calaya has a "very assertive personality" and is protective over her baby, Brown said.

Calaya continues to hold Moke close and is not comfortable letting him explore the habitat on his own. She is very particular about which gorillas get to touch Moke.

"One morning, Baraka became a bit annoyed with some maintenance work being done on the roof of the Great Ape House," Brown said. "He moved toward Calaya in an alert state. She barked at him, ran towards him and smacked him."

Brown said Baraka had no response to Calaya's slap, but before Moke was born he would discipline her whenever a scuffle occurred.

"It is quite interesting to see how the dynamic between them has changed since Moke’s arrival," Brown said.

DC residents and visitors can stop by the Great Ape House at 11:30 a.m. daily to catch the keeper talk and get the latest updates on Moke and the troop.

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Photos via The National Zoo