Baby Gorilla Ventures Out

- [Narrator] Several weeks have passed since the birth of the baby gorilla.

He is clearly making progress, as are the other young primates.

Malumbi be takes his first steps away from his mother, 50 feet above the forest floor.

Ambia is understandably concerned, and holds out her arm as support.

Practice will eventually make perfect.

The brave young gorilla returns to safety.

It will take some time before the newest member of the family group will attempt anything like that.

(birds chirping) At this age, the young gorilla struggles to keep his head up.

Slowly but surely, he's getting there, for a few seconds at a time, at least.

(birds chirping) So far, the baby remains unnamed.

The honor of naming the gorillas is usually given to the local trackers from Waka.

However, the men wait for some time to make sure that the baby is healthy and likely to survive.

(birds chirping) Finally, the moment arrives.

The youngest member of the Atananga group of gorillas is named Etshutshuku, which translates roughly as the surprise.

Malumbi has grown significantly.

He remains closely attached to his mother, but is now far more mobile.

Etshutshuku will be one year old now, if he has survived.

He has.

The baby gorilla is now Malumbi's favorite companion, whether he likes it or not.