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Kansas City Zoo Announces First Gorilla Birth In 40 Years

Kansas City Zoo

Kansas City Zoo officials announced Tuesday the birth of a Western Lowland gorilla. The baby is the first gorilla to be born at the zoo since 1975.

In a Facebook post the Zoo said the baby was born on Memorial Day and both mom and baby are doing well.

The mother is 27-year-old Makari and the father is a 31-year-old silverback named Radi. 

“This is a proud announcement for the Kansas City Zoo and a very proud moment for Makari – she is practically glowing. Gorilla moms are amazing caregivers. She got the baby nursing right away,”  Randy Wisthoff, executive director and CEO said in the post.

The pregnancy was discovered in February and the baby was born unassisted.

The sex is not yet known. Zoo officials say Makari and her baby will be on display soon.

A California native, Briana comes to KCUR by way of KMUW in Wichita, Kan. and KUSP in Santa Cruz, Calif.
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