Zoo welcomes baby gorilla after emergency delivery

Wednesday, June 7, 2017
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- A newborn gorilla is alive thanks to a team of experts who helped during a difficult delivery at the Philadelphia Zoo.

The baby western lowland gorilla was born to mom, 17-year-old Kira and the zoo's 32-year-old silverback male, Motuba.
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Kira went into labor last Friday, but began struggling. By Saturday zoo veterinarians rushed in ob/gyns from Jefferson Hospital, who normally deliver humans.

They used forceps and snipped the mother to safely deliver an adorable baby gorilla after 1 1/2 hours.

Mom got to nurse her baby and snuggle with the newborn when it was all over.

One photo of the little baby with a smile says it all. Very sweet!
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