The tiny western lowland gorilla was born at Bristol Zoo Gardens on December 15. The baby has started suckling and is doing well. But the birth was only possible after the mother, Salome, underwent a course of groundbreaking fertility treatment.

This is the second baby of Salome, her first child was born almost 20 years ago.

Vets at the zoo noticed that the female was having problems conceiving. After further examinations she was diagnosed with a condition called diminished ovarian reserve.

The condition, which can also effect people, meant that Salome had been coming into oestrus and appeared to be mating properly - but had not been ovulating. Following discussions, the team of the University of Bristol gave Salome a fertility drug clomifene, also used by women, to kick start the gorilla's ovulation.

Dr Bryan Carroll, deputy director of the Zoo said: "Being able to treat female gorillas with human fertility drugs is potentially a very important breakthrough."

We hope so.