A newbornwestern lowland gorilla has died, according to Zoo Atlanta.
Kambera, one of the zoo’s western lowland gorillas, gave birth on Nov. 13, the 27th gorilla born at Zoo Atlanta, according to officials. The baby died later in the day.
The father was Willie B. Jr., the son of Zoo Atlanta’s most famous gorilla, Willie B.
The infant initially had a strong grip, appeared healthy, and was nursing well, but things soon went awry.
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Before the infant’s health deteriorated, zoo officials were optimistic.
“We are very encouraged and cautiously optimistic that the baby will be able to nurse regularly in the near future,” said Sam Rivera, Zoo Atlanta’s vice president of animal health. “Intervention is never a preferred measure unless an infant’s health is in question, as we always want to see gorilla babies remain with their mothers with no human interference. Fortunately, our teams were prepared for a variety of outcomes with this birth. We continue to closely watch both Kambera and the infant to ensure both remain healthy.”
This newborn was among more than two dozen gorillas born at Zoo Atlanta since the debut of The Ford African Rain Forest in 1988.
“The legacy of Willie B. is a story deeply rooted in Atlanta’s history,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “Generations of Atlantans have connected with Willie B., his descendants, and the larger message of gorilla conservation. We are excited to see this legacy continue and to welcome a new ambassador for this critically endangered species.”
Willie B., Jr.’s four sisters—Kudzoo, Olympia, Sukari, and Lulu— help make up Zoo Atlanta’s gorilla legacy as group members and mothers. Kudzoo, Sukari, and Lulu still reside at Zoo Atlanta with their own offspring, while Olympia lives at another AZA-accredited organization and is the mother of a son.
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