Gorilla gives birth at Kansas City Zoo
For the first time in 40 years, the Kansas City Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby gorilla.
The mother, a 27-year-old Western lowland gorilla named Makari, and her baby, born on Memorial Day, are doing well, according to zoo officials.
“This is a proud announcement for the Kansas City Zoo and a very proud moment for Makari. She is practically glowing,” executive director/CEO Randy Wisthoff said in a written statement.
Zoo staff have not yet determined the gender of the baby. They do not want to interfere with bonding between Makari and the newborn, and are monitoring them by video camera.
“Gorilla moms are amazing caregivers,” Wisthoff said. “She got the baby nursing right away.”
The father of the baby is Radi, a 31-year-old silverback.
Makari has given birth to other offspring who reside at other zoos. Monday’s birth was the first for gorillas in Kansas City since 1975.
Officials said they they will announce when the new baby will be on display.
| Tony Rizzo, trizzo@kcstar.com
This story was originally published May 26, 2015 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Gorilla gives birth at Kansas City Zoo."