Heartbreak at Zoo Atlanta as Newborn Gorilla Passes Away Shortly After Birth

Heartbreak at Zoo Atlanta: Newborn Gorilla Passes Away

ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta has announced some very sad news that has left many with heavy hearts. Just days after her birth, a precious infant western lowland gorilla has passed away, and the zoo community is mourning this loss deeply.

Kambera, a 25-year-old gorilla, gave birth to her tiny baby on Wednesday, November 13. This little one was the 26th gorilla born at the zoo, and staff were filled with hope and excitement. However, just two days later, everything took a devastating turn. The Animal Care and Veterinary Teams quickly took the newborn for a brief examination to check on hydration and feeding needs, which showed promising signs of health.

Hopeful Signs

Zoo officials reported that after the baby was checked, she returned to her mother, Kambera, who seemed to embrace her maternal instincts beautifully. The team shared their optimism as they observed the newborn starting to nurse, a vital sign that all was going well. But, tragically, on Monday morning, the animal care team discovered the infant had died. In a statement, Zoo Atlanta described their reaction as “heartbroken.” They expressed sorrow not only for the loss of this “special little individual” but also for the loss of a newborn from a critically endangered species.

The Fragility of New Life

The vice president of Collections and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta, Gina Ferrie, weighed in on the matter, stating, “Like humans, newborn gorillas are very fragile, and the first few days of life are uncertain for any baby animal.” She highlighted the encouraging aspect of the situation, pointing out how Kambera, who had not raised an infant before, demonstrated the nurturing qualities staff hoped to see. “Our teams worked tirelessly to help Kambera prepare for the birth and, following the birth, to ensure her and her infant’s wellbeing,” Ferrie added.

A Look to the Future

While the infant’s death is undeniably heart-wrenching, a necropsy will be performed to uncover more details about what caused the little gorilla’s passing. This process may provide some answers and valuable insights for the care of gorillas in the future.

The baby’s father, Willie B. Jr., along with the rest of the troop—comprising females Shalia and Amari, along with Shalia’s 18-month-old son, Willie B. III—are still with Kambera during this difficult time. It’s worth noting that in the past, Kambera had rejected another offspring, which adds to the bittersweet nature of this situation. Over the past year and a half, Kambera has keenly observed Shalia’s nurturing of baby Willie B. III, likely providing her valuable experiences of motherhood.

What’s Next for Zoo Atlanta

For those interested in learning more about Zoo Atlanta’s critically endangered western lowland gorillas, there is a wealth of information available. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges zoos face in their critical conservation efforts, and Zoo Atlanta remains dedicated to nurturing these magnificent creatures. The team is committed to understanding the needs of both mothers and their young ones, aiming to ensure the best care possible.

As the zoo community copes with this tragedy, the bond between Kambera and her family becomes even more essential. Like many of us, the animals go through their highs and lows, but together, they offer one another a comforting presence. Here’s hoping that better days and stronger bonds lie ahead for Kambera and her troop.