Kambera, a 25-year-old western lowland gorilla at Zoo Atlanta, has given birth to a female infant, marking the 26th gorilla born at the zoo. Delivered on November 13, 2024, the baby is showing early signs of good health, including a strong grip and normal vocalizations.
The zoo’s Animal Care and Veterinary Teams are carefully monitoring Kambera and her newborn, as the infant has not yet been observed nursing. Nursing is a crucial milestone in the baby’s development. On November 15, zoo staff conducted a neonatal exam, ensuring the infant was hydrated and fed before reuniting her with Kambera.
Kambera has a history of rejecting a previous offspring at another facility before joining Zoo Atlanta. To prepare her for motherhood, she spent the last 18 months in a troop with Shalia, an experienced mother, and Willie B. III, Shalia’s son. This arrangement was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan.
The baby’s father, Willie B. Jr., and big brother Willie B. III have already seen the new arrival.
“We are very encouraged and cautiously optimistic that the baby will be able to nurse regularly in the near future,” said Sam Rivera, DVM, 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.”
Zoo Atlanta will continue to provide updates as Kambera and her infant progress.
