In the past couple of months Busch Gardens in Tampa Florida has been going through a bit of a baby boom. Since December 2014 there have been two successful births of Western Lowland Gorillas in the park. Both of the newborn gorillas can be seen at the Myombe Reserve inside the park. The male gorilla, Enzi, was born on December 19^th to Pele, a female gorilla from Texas. The suspected sire is Bolingo. The newest gorilla was born on February 6^th to 27 year-old Mary. The suspected sire for the female was once again Bolingo.

Scotty Mcguire, a high school student visited the park last week and saw the gorillas, “The babies were adorable, it was cool seeing wild animals take care of their babies.”

These were the 2^nd and 3^rd gorilla births ever at the park. Bolingo, the father, was the 1^st successful birth which was in 2005. This species of gorilla is listed as critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. These births were part of a participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Species Survival Plan. This organization helps to educate people on these animals as well as support the revival of these endangered species.

If you didn’t think two baby gorillas was enough Busch Gardens is also welcoming the addition of two new cheetah cubs. Tendai and Thabo were born November 22, 2014 and weigh about 12 pounds. The cubs are under 24-hour care and soon will be on display as part of Busch Gardens’ cheetah run attraction.

The new animals will also be used as a way to spread awareness of the endangered species Busch Gardens has to offer.

FSA Connection Questions

1. What is the purpose of the story?
2. What is the author’s view of the story?
3. What is the tone of the story?
4. What does ‘organization’ mean in the story?
5. What is the main idea of the story?