Astonishing photographs and video from the National Zoo show the first interaction between a mother gorilla and her newborn baby.

First-time mother Calaya gave birth to her son, Moke - pronounced mo-KEY - a western lowland gorilla, on Sunday at the Smithsonian National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C.

The astonishing gorilla birth was the first in nine years to take place at the zoo. Zoo officials captured the special moment, which was shared to the zoo's website as well as social media on Monday morning.

'We're thrilled to share western lowland gorilla Calaya gave birth to a male at 6:25 p.m. 4/15. His name, Moke, means "junior" or "little one" in the Lingala language,' the National Zoo wrote to their Twitter page.

Primate staff at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are celebrating the firs birth of a male western lowland gorilla in nine years

The baby, named Moke, was born on Sunday. Astonishing photos and video capture the first moments between the baby and its mom, Calaya

'Keepers report that Calaya has been caring for her infant & are optimistic he will thrive. #GorillaStory'

The adorable baby gorilla was bred last summer by 15-year-old mom Calaya and 26-year-old father Baraka.

The extremely caring mother is seen in video footage holding onto her baby while keeping a locked gaze on him.

She then gently kisses Moke several times while admiring him and holding the baby close before laying him down to rest inside the enclosure.

The extremely caring mother is seen in video footage holding onto her baby while keeping a locked gaze on him

The mama gorilla i seen holding the baby close before laying him down to rest inside the enclosure

Zoo officials gushed about the happy moment - not just for Calaya, but everyone at the zoo.

'The birth of this western lowland gorilla is very special and significant, not only to our Zoo family but also to this critically endangered species as a whole,' Meredith Bastian, curator of primates, said in a statement to the National Zoo's website.

'The primate team’s goal was to set Calaya up for success as best we could, given that she is a first-time mother.

Above shows baby Moke's content face as he relaxes inside the enclosure at the Great Ape House in the Smithsonian National Zoo

'Doing so required great patience and dedication on the part of my team, and I am very proud of them and Calaya.'

Animal keeper Melba Brown said zoo officials are certain Calaya will be an excellent caregiver to her new son.

'We will provide support to her if need be, but I have every confidence that Calaya will be a great mom to Moke.

'This infant’s arrival triggers many emotions—joy, excitement, relief—and pride that all of our perseverance in preparing Calaya for motherhood has paid off.

'I am excited to see how he will fit into the group dynamic. There are a lot of different personalities in this family troop, but they all work well together.'