Born in late December, the baby girl is bonding with first-time mother Raven.

Prepare to have your hearts melted: The Maryland Zoo has confirmed the arrival of a new baby chimp! Mama chimpanzee Raven, 24, gave birth to a baby girl on December 29, 2019. It's the chimp's first baby and the most recent addition to the group since the baby chimp Lola was born last July.

From all reports, Raven experienced a safe and healthy birth, with zookeepers ensuring an appropriate environment and routine prenatal care for the baby to be delivered successfully. As of right now, both mother and baby are bonding peacefully in a private area in the zoo.

Since Raven is a single mother, the zoo plans to have her and the new baby spend quality time with the zoo's other resident mom Bunny and baby Lola. Mammal Collection and Conservation Manager Erin Cantwell emphasize this bonding period as particularly significant, stating, "It is very important for all the troop members to be around young babies so that they learn how to properly interact with them. Our guests will get the joy of watching two young chimps grow up and explore their new world together.”

The gestation period for chimpanzees is eight months, and at birth, they clock in at only 2-3 pounds. Once born, they mimic the behaviors seen in human babies with common things like teething, dexterity, and facial movements. Unfortunately, chimpanzees are classified as Endangered by International Union for the Conservation of Nature, but the amazing work done by the Maryland Zoo in protecting these invaluable animals should give everyone hope!

So when will visitors get to see the little one? Since the pair continue to bond, anxious guests will have to wait a little bit as Raven adjusts to her newfound motherhood. In the meantime, you can get your cuteness fix with some adorable shots of the brand-new mama and baby!

**All photos courtesy of the Maryland Zoo

Are you excited about the new baby chimp? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!