Taronga Zoo is helping to secure the future of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla, one recycled mobile phone at a time.
As the zoo welcomed the latest addition to its expanding family of western lowland gorillas, it credited a simple recycling program with ensuring the longevity of the species.
Taronga Sydney and Taronga Western Plains urge visitors to donate old mobile phones, which contain a mineral called coltan.
Coltan is mined in gorilla habitats and the demand for the mineral has been blamed for hastening the decline in gorillas and at least 10 other African primate species.
The zoo's They're Calling On You program reduces demand for the mineral as well as supporting wildlife patrols in native habitats.
Illegal mining, poaching for bush meat, forest clearing and the Ebola virus have contributed to the decline in western lowland gorilla populations with an estimated 100,000 living in the wild.
A further 550 live in zoos around the world with Taronga's breeding program among the most successful.
Taronga Zoo's newest addition was born six days ago, making its first public appearance on Tuesday.
Staff have been unable to determine the gender of the tiny baby, which is clinging tightly to its mother Frala.
Frala is one of the zoo's most experienced mothers with the 33-year-old primate giving birth to seven babies, including sons Fuzu and Fataki, sired by the zoo's previous silverback Kibabu, who retired to Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast two years ago.
The zoo's new silverback, Kibali, who arrived from a French zoo in 2013, sired the latest addition as well as baby Mjukuu, a little male born to mother Mbeli seven months ago.
Primate supervisor Lou Grossfeldt said the new baby was settling in well with the growing family.
"All's well in hand with Frala," she said. "She has years of experience being a mother. She's very comfortable and relaxed after another text book birth. She's raised a number of infants before who are now living all around the world. This new infant is great for young Mjukuu as a future playmate. Socialisation is such an important thing for gorillas."
