A little baby gorilla born in Saint Paul, Minnesota has died.
The infant was born on Wednesday to a 12-year-old gorilla named Alice at the Como Zoo. The 4-pound baby seemed to be in good health, however according to zoo officials, his health weakened on Sunday. The cause of death is unknown, but it is assumed that there were complications with food intake. “The entire Gorilla SSP shares the Como Zoo’s heartbreak over this sad event” stated Dr. Kristen Lukas, Director of Conservation & Science at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the Chair of the Gorilla Species Survival Plan. “It is always difficult to lose a young one but we fully understand the significance of this particular birth for Como Zoo.”
The baby was the first Gorilla to be born at Como Zoo in its 55-year-history. According to the Zoo’s website, everyone involved, including Alice, is completely heartbroken over the loss of the baby.
The zoo also mentioned that 26% of male gorillas do not make it to their first birthday, while first-time mothers have a significantly higher infant mortality rate than second-time mothers.
Gorillas have a very strong connection with their young. SeaWorld reports that infants are in constant contact with their mothers for the first six months. The death of baby can have an affect on a gorilla mother just like human mothers, and we’re so sorry for Alice’s loss.
Have you visited Como Zoo?
