Calgary Zoo celebrates gorilla's first birthday

Staff at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo left no stone unturned as they celebrated baby gorilla Eyare's first birthday on Thursday with brightly coloured streamers, cupcakes, knickknacks and a personalized banner.

Eyare celebrated the special day surrounded by her troop of Western lowland gorillas at the zoo as onlookers admired the revelers from afar.

An animal care supervisor at the zoo, Carrie Coleman, said in a statement that Eyare has grown closer to her father and other members of the gorilla family over the last few months.

"Eyare continues to grow and gain confidence. She can frequently be seen exploring, engaging in play behaviours and enrichment and foraging with her family throughout the day," she said in a statement.

Eyare is often described as a curious and smart gorilla who can keep zoo visitors and staff members hooked with her infectious energy and enthusiasm. She's also considered to have become a confident gorilla who isn't afraid to do things alone. 

"You'll see her venture more on her own while exploring the indoor habitat as the adult troop members rest throughout the day," Coleman said.

For Eyare's birthday bash, staff at the zoo prepared in advance with a bunch of surprises for the gorilla troop to play with, such as tissue paper, empty boxes and tubs filled with soapy water that the gorillas could splash.

Eyare and her family were also treated to snacks like vegetables and customized cupcakes made from ingredients like frozen biscuit mash, pureed beets, potatoes, and vegetables.

The zoo's gorilla troop may have more good news in store in the next few months.

Eyare will soon be able to play with her half-sibling if all goes well — a 14-year-old member of the troop, Yewande, is expecting her first child this spring.