Zoo welcomes infant gorilla

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Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has welcomed a new addition with the birth of a western lowland gorilla.

The infant was born to Kazi, a 12-year-old female, who came to the zoo in August 2015 along with two other females and the baby’s father, 22-year-old silverback Cenzoo.

“This is an exciting time for the zoo and its guests,” John Davis, director of animal care and welfare at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, said in a release. “Kazi has been a great mother throughout the pregnancy, and we anticipate she will continue to provide great care for her infant.”

According to the release, an estimated 100,000 western lowland gorillas remain in the wild. The birth is an addition to the 40-year-old Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which helps ensure the existence of endangered animals through breeding and transfers to accredited facilities.

Davis said the gorilla family troop is adapting to its newest member.

“The infant began nursing shortly after delivery and appears to be bonding well with mom,” Davis said. “The first 72 hours post-partum is the most critical. Animal care staff will continue to closely monitor Kazi and her infant and the entire family troop.”

Gorilla Base Camp will be closed for the next several days. Patrick, Riverbanks' other male silverback, will remain on daily exhibit.