Zoo Calls In Regular Doctors To Perform Emergency Surgery On Pregnant Gorilla

June 8, 2017

After 24 hours of labor, Kira the gorilla had not progressed and was beginning to tire and show signs she was feeling worse.

The Philadelphia Zoo had to act fast if they were going to save Kira and her baby. So they brought in a team of veterinarians and regular doctors to perform an emergency delivery using procedures and equipment similar to those used in human deliveries -- and it worked.

The 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla successfully delivered a healthy five pound baby boy.

good news doctors save gorilla and baby zoo

Zoo keepers cared for the newborn for about 24 hours until Kira, who was placed under anesthesia for the delivery, recovered. She has been cradling and nursing him ever since, the zoo reported.

"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," Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer, said. "Everybody is excited about these two future playmates."


feel good videoDogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesPeople Are Posting the Ugliest Photos of Their Cats and It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesEngland Fan Uses $13,000 That He Saved for His First Home to Take His Grandad to the World Cup Instead

feel good storiesWhen My Cat Got Summoned for Jury Duty

feel good videoThis Bride Was Not Expecting the Man Who Walked Her Down the Aisle

feel good videoSeven Bears Caught on Camera in Montana, 10 Found the Next Day

feel good videoThe Best Lesson On Winning I've Ever Heard

feel good videoPolice Officer Responds To Abuse Call, And Leaves With A Daughter

feel good videoHe Packed a Christmas Shoebox at Age 7... Then 14 Years Later She Found Him