AN unbreakable bond between mother and baby has formed between gorilla Mjukuu and her newborn son at London Zoo.

The first-time mother is seen here (inset) placing a giant protective hand over her five-week old baby and keepers say she is proving to be a fantastic mother.

The 11-year-old western lowland gorilla gave birth to a healthy boy at the end of October and keepers watched anxiously to see whether or not she would take to motherhood. But Mjukuu adores her tiny baby, cleaning him, inspecting him and cuddling him all day long.

Keeper Teague Stubbington said: “He is a very quiet and contented baby, which means Mjukuu is caring for him perfectly.”

More than 40,000 people have already been to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the tiny tot since he was born.

Now keepers just have to decide on a name.