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​Baby Gorilla Born At Zoo In Boston By C-Section

​Baby Gorilla Born At Zoo In Boston By C-Section

Franklin Park Zoo said the birth provides ‘hope for the future’ for the western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A baby gorilla has been born at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, having been successfully delivered via caesarean section.

The male baby and his mum Kiki are now doing well, and are currently 'bonding behind the scenes' while the team at the zoo closely monitor them.

The unnamed baby weighed 6lbs 3oz when he was born on 14 October, having been delivered by C-section due to complications during 39-year-old Kiki's pregnancy.

Announcing the happy news on social media, Franklin Park Zoo said the birth provides 'hope for the future' for the western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species.

Sharing a video on Facebook, the zoo said: "Special Delivery! 6 pounds, 3 ounces of pure sweetness joined our western lowland gorilla troop on October 14.

Franklin Park Zoo

"This baby boy is the first ever male gorilla born at Franklin Park Zoo, and he was delivered via Cesarean section due to complications late in Kiki's pregnancy.

"We're happy to report that mom and baby are both doing well and bonding behind the scenes while they continue to be closely monitored and cared for by our dedicated team. Each new birth is reason to celebrate, providing hope for the future of this critically endangered species."

A post on the zoo's website explained that Kiki had experienced vaginal bleeding in the days leading up to the delivery, leading vets and specialists to discover that she had placenta previa, a condition where the placenta lies over the entrance to the cervix, in turn blocking the path for the baby's delivery.

Franklin Park Zoo

Thankfully, the surgery went 'quickly and smoothly', and the baby made history by becoming the first male gorilla ever born at Franklin Park Zoo.

Dr. Eric Baitchman, Zoo New England Vice President of Animal Health and Conservation, said: "For the health of mom and baby, it was imperative to quickly diagnose Kiki's condition and perform a C-section before she went into labour on her own.

"We were fortunate to quickly mobilise an amazing team with our colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

Franklin Park Zoo

"This was truly a team effort, and we are relieved and happy that the surgery went smoothly and that mom and baby are both safe and healthy."

Kiki recovered from surgery while the baby was cared for by zoo staff - in a space that was close enough for Kiki to see and hear him.

They two were eventually reunited the following afternoon and have since 'bonded well', with Kiki being 'very attentive, holding the baby close'.

Featured Image Credit: Franklin Park Zoo

Topics: News, US News, Animals