Columbus Zoo Announces Birth of Western Lowland Gorilla Baby

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — The birth of a baby western lowland gorilla is being celebrated at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

In a press release, the zoo announced that the gorilla was born on Saturday, June 29, in the early hours of the morning. The baby’s sex has not yet been determined, in order to allow him to spend uninterrupted time with his mother.

The zoo said the baby was born to mother Sue and father Ktembe. This is the first baby for Sue, a 19-year-old who came to Columbus in 2014 via the Lincoln Park Zoo. Ktembe, 27, has lived in Columbus for six years and is an “experienced” father, according to the zoo. The couple’s baby is the 35th gorilla born at the Columbus Zoo.

“For months, our care team has been busy preparing for the baby’s arrival, and we are thrilled that the time has finally come to welcome this important new addition,” said Audra Meinelt, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region.

The animal care team reports that Sue is “very attentive and takes excellent care of her baby, cuddling and rocking him closely.” Additionally, Sue, Ktembe and the baby share the space with two 30-year-old females, Nia and Cassie, and the baby’s 4-year-old half-sister, Jamani, as the species is social.

“With his tiny hands and big, beautiful brown eyes that melt our hearts, this baby is absolutely precious, both in terms of his cuteness and what he represents for the future of this species,” Meinelt said.

Visitors will be able to see the new gorilla starting Monday, July 8, from 11 a.m. until the zoo closes at 6 p.m. Until then, the indoor viewing habitat in the zoo’s Congo Expedition area will be closed to ensure privacy.

While the indoor viewing habitat is closed, visitors will be able to see another troop of gorillas in the outdoor habitat consisting of silverback, Mac and females Kinyani, Tabibu, Mo’ana, Sully, Kamina, Zahra and Kwame.

The Columbus Zoo made history in 1956 when Colo became the first gorilla to be born in a professional environment. Colo lived to be 60 years old.

“We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who work diligently to provide the gorillas with superior care and well-being while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renowned gorilla program,” Meinelt said.