In 2006, a baby gorilla was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs and given the name Umande. Umande’s mother didn’t know how to care for him, so for eight months he was hand-raised by zookeepers, who even crawled on all fours while carrying him around. But the keepers knew that what Umande really needed was another gorilla to nurture him. At eight months, he was taken to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where he and an adult gorilla named Lulu were immediately drawn to each other. Lulu eagerly became his surrogate mother. During the day she would carry him, play with him, even show him off to the keepers. And at night, she would cuddle with him before they fell asleep. Together. An author’s note gives additional information about the two gorillas featured in this warm, engaging, pleasingly illustrated story. (Ages 4–8)

The heart-tugging true story of how a baby gorilla found love in the arms of a surrogate mom

When Umande was born, his mother didn't know how to take care of him. So, he was hand-reared by keepers at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. For eight months, the keepers crawled on the ground with him to show him how to walk; coughed in his face to teach him discipline; and gave him happy gorilla grumbles to encourage him. But for Umande, something was still missing. Luckily, a thousand miles away at the Columbus Zoo, a mom was waiting just for him.

This touching true story about finding a family will resonate with animal lovers and adoptive families alike. Share this book with fans of Owen & Mzee, Tarra & Bella, and Knut.