Kambera, a western lowland gorilla at Zoo Atlanta, delivered the 26th gorilla born at the zoo on Nov. 13.

The infant, a female, appears healthy and is displaying positive signs such as a strong grip and normal vocalizations, according to a news release. Likewise, Kambera displays positive maternal inclinations such as holding the baby closely and being responsive to her vocalizations.

However, the zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams are closely monitoring mother and infant, who has not yet been observed nursing on her own — a vital next step in her development.

On Nov. 15, the teams briefly removed the infant from Kambera to conduct a thorough neonatal exam and to ensure the infant was properly hydrated and fed. Following the exam, the infant was returned to Kambera.

The zoo teams have had contingency plans in place in the event Kambera, 25, did not accept her infant, as she previously rejected another offspring prior to moving to Zoo Atlanta. Over the past 18 months, she has had opportunities to observe the maternal care of fellow troop member and experienced parent Shalia, mother of Willie B. III, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended that Kambera become a member of this troop for this reason.

The infant’s father is Willie B. Jr., who has had a chance to see his second offspring, as has Willie B. III, a first-time big brother. 

“We are very encouraged and cautiously optimistic that the baby will be able to nurse regularly in the near future,” said Sam Rivera, DVM, Vice President of Animal Health said in the release. “Intervention is never a preferred measure unless an infant’s health is in question, as we always want to see gorilla babies remain with their mothers with no human interference. Fortunately, our teams were prepared for a variety of outcomes with this birth. We continue to closely watch both Kambera and the infant to ensure both remain healthy.”

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.

Tags: zoo atlanta  Georgia  Animals  gorilla  Atlanta  Macon  Savannah