She is adorable as a monkey.
The Fort Worth Zoo celebrated the historic birth of a baby gorilla last month, made even more moving after the endangered newborn and her mother survived a difficult and life-threatening birth.
Baby Jameela was born in the early morning hours of January 5th during the first “emergency Caesarean section” in the history of the zoo, and was born between four and five weeks old, officials announced. In a Valentine’s Day statement.
Mama Sekani was due to give birth to her fourth baby in mid-February, but in the days leading up to the emergency operation she was seen sulking around her enclosure and holding her head in her hands. and plans quickly changed.
The 33-year-old mother was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition that can occur during pregnancy in both humans and primates, and was rushed into surgery.
Because her condition was serious and the baby was premature, medical professionals who normally operate on humans were sent in for this historic birth.
Dr Jamie Irwin, who has worked as a consultant at the zoo since 2016, said: “Participating in the birth of Sekani’s baby by Caesarean section was one of the highlights of my entire career as an obstetrician and gynecologist.” he said.
“It is an honor and privilege to help care for this endangered species and share my expertise with the veterinary staff at the Fort Worth Zoo. I was surprised at how well it worked.”
Jameela’s life was in danger even after her birth, captured in heartbreaking photos of the tiny creature hooked up to a breathing tube and immediately receiving vital breathing support.
She and her mother received 24-hour care until they fully recovered.
Staff named the baby girl Jamila, which means “beautiful” in Swahili.
However, Sekani showed little interest in the newborn baby, which the zoo reasoned may be because Sekani had not experienced the hormonal cues required during a natural or full-term birth.
They hope to pair Jamila with Gracie, a 24-year-old gorilla who has a baby of her own, and staff hope she can act as a surrogate mother for the newborn.
Despite problems in Jamila and Sekani’s relationship, the Fort Worth Zoo is celebrating their birth as a historic victory for the endangered gorilla population.
Jameela’s birth is the third gorilla birth in the zoo’s 115-year history, but the first to be born by C-section.
“Zoo experts are optimistic that Jameela will eventually become part of a herd of seven animals (eight, including herself),” officials said in a statement.
Jameela is the second endangered species born at the Fort Worth Zoo in recent months.
Moja’s cub was born in October, marking the first African lion cub born in nine years.
African lions are considered a vulnerable population, so the birth of this cub marks a milestone in the conservation of the endangered mammal and extends the pedigree of African lions in the country. is seen as a step forward in diversification.
