progressed and was beginning to tire and show
signs she was feeling worse.
The Philadelphia Zoo had to act fast if they were
going to save Kira and her baby. So they brought
in a team of veterinarians and regular doctors to
perform an emergency delivery using procedures
and equipment similar to those used in human
deliveries -- and it worked.
The 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla
successfully delivered a healthy five pound baby
boy.
Zoo keepers cared for the newborn for about 24
hours until Kira, who was placed under
anesthesia for the delivery, recovered. She has
been cradling and nursing him ever since, the
zoo reported.
"Though Kira is a first-time mom, we're not
surprised she's acting like an expert already. She
was a great older sister to younger siblings and
has been very attentive while our other female
gorilla Honi has raised baby Amani," Dr. Andy
Baker, Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer,
said . "Everybody is excited about these two
future playmates."
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