The Philadelphia zoo is welcoming a new member to the family!
On Friday, Kira, a 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla delivered a healthy 5-pound baby boy.
This was Kira's first baby, and the third for the father a 32-year-old silverback named Motuba.
The delivery was not without problems, however.
See how the delivery went and the adorable new baby on the next page.
After a painstaking 24 hours, Kira was still in labor and the baby hadn't come. Typically gorilla labor is very quick, so when the baby hadn't come yet the zoo began to worry. Concerns over the animal's well-being began to grow as time wore on.
"She appeared to tire and behaved as if she were feeling worse over the course of the morning and there were no signs of the labor progressing," said the zoo. "Typically, gorilla labor is quick and the mother does not appear tired, distressed, or show symptoms of feeling poorly."
That's when the team of medical staff, including an ob-gyn, surgeons, veterinarians and anesthesiologists were called in to assist with the birth.
The team placed Kira under anesthesia and used similar invention techniques as humans including forceps and an episotomy, the zoo reported.
After an hour and a half, the team delivered the male baby successfully.
The zoo keepers cared for the newborn while the mother recovered and the anesthsia wore off. 24 hours later Kira had her baby and has been cradling and nursing him ever since.
"Though Kira is a first-time mom, we're not surprised she's acting like an expert already. She was a great older sister to younger siblings and has been very attentive while our other female gorilla Honi has raised baby Amani," said Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo's Chief Operating Officer. "Everybody is excited about these two future playmates."
This species, which typically inhabits African forests, is considering critically endangered in the wild.
The baby is yet to be named, but we look forward to watching this little guy grow up!