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Meet Afia.
At just seven weeks old, this Western lowland gorilla is making her debut outing at Bristol
Zoo Gardens.
She was born last month by emergency caesarian section, the first gorilla born by the procedure
at the zoo, and one of just a handful worldwide.
Her mother, who showed signs of pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening illness, during
pregancy, was critically ill after the birth and now Afia is being cared for round-the-clock
by a team of four zookeepers.
The zoo is now hoping another gorilla will accept Afia as a surrogate and keepers are trying
to encourage her to bond with other members of the group.
Until the weather improves though, her trips outdoors will be short, and at night she sleeps
not in the zoo, but in the keepers' own homes!
Afia's name, meaning Friday-born child in Ghanian, was chosen by the public but her
keepers say she's not quite ready to face the adoring crowds at the zoo just yet.