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Zoo Celebrating 50th Gorilla Birth

Provided
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Cincinnati Zoo

She's a little late to take part in Zoo Babies; the Zoo's newest arrival is a western lowland gorilla. Officials say Anju gave birth to a girl Tuesday at 7:10 a.m.

The baby is Anju's first and the 50th gorilla born at the Cincinnati Zoo since 1970.

Keepers haven't named the baby yet.

"The baby’s father, silverback Jomo, started showing a lot of interest in Anju shortly before she gave birth," says Primate Team Leader Eric High. "He kept other gorillas, including the very curious, two-year-old Gladys, away from her during labor and delivery."

Credit Provided / Cincinnati Zoo
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Cincinnati Zoo
Zookeepers haven't decided on a name yet.

High says "Anju was composed and methodically tended to the baby immediately after birth."

Curator of Primates Ron Evans says, "As a first time mom, Anju is still a little awkward with proper positioning of the baby but we think she is slowly getting the hang of it. Gorilla babies are born pretty tough and as long as we see some good nursing bouts, we will be very patient with Anju until she fine tunes her baby skills."

Zoo visitors will be able to see the new arrival soon, though there won't be a set schedule for when they'll be outside.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.