MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Zoo announced Wednesday the birth of a new western lowland gorilla.
The baby girl was born to mother, Naku, and father, Cassius on September 9.
Zookeepers report mother and baby are health and doing well. The baby most likely weighed about 3 pounds at birth, and may now weigh abround 4 pounds.
The zoo says the baby is making eye contact with Naku and gripping onto mom's stomach, as all newborns gorillas should do during their first six months of life. After that, the baby will "ride" on Naku's back, eventually venturing off from her when ready. The baby will continue to nurse from mom until 4 to 5 years old; with solid foods introduced after the first few months. Babies may begin mouthing and exploring solid food/scraps that fall from mom's mouth at three to four months of age.
In addition to Naku, Cassius and the newborn, the family group also includes female Shalia and her offspring, 3-year-old male, Sulaiman.
