WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA BORN AT ZOO ATLANTA

Animal Care and Veterinary Teams are closely monitoring new mother Kambera and her infant, who has not yet been observed nursing 

ATLANTA – November 16, 2024 – Kambera, a western lowland gorilla at Zoo Atlanta, delivered the 26th gorilla born at the Zoo on November 13, 2024. The Animal Care and Veterinary Teams are closely monitoring mother and infant, who has not yet been observed nursing.  

The infant, a female, appears healthy and is displaying positive signs such as a strong grip and normal vocalizations. Likewise, Kambera displays positive maternal inclinations such as holding the baby closely and being responsive to her vocalizations. However, the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams are closely monitoring mother and infant, who has not yet been observed nursing on her own – a vital next step in her development. On November 15, the teams briefly removed the infant from Kambera to conduct a thorough neonatal exam and to ensure the infant was properly hydrated and fed. Following the exam, the infant was promptly returned to Kambera.   

The Animal Care and Veterinary Teams have had contingency plans in place in the event Kambera, 25, did not accept her infant, as she previously rejected another offspring at another organization prior to moving to Zoo Atlanta. Over the past 18 months, she has had opportunities to observe the maternal care of fellow troop member and experienced parent Shalia, mother of Willie B. III, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP) recommended that Kambera become a member of this troop for this reason. The infant’s father is Willie B. Jr., who has had a chance to see his second offspring, as has Willie B. III, a first-time big brother.   

“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. 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.”  

Stay tuned for updates on Kambera and the infant.  

(Photo: Josh Meyerchick)