Institution welcomes another second-generation offspring of the late Willie B.

	Photo by Jodi Kissinger

ATLANTA - July 7, 2006 - Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Dennis Kelly announced that Sukari, an 8-year-old female western lowland gorilla, gave birth yesterday.Sukari is the third female offspring of beloved Zoo resident, the late Willie B. The addition of this newborn to Zoo Atlanta’s western lowland gorilla population makes this the fifth baby born within the past ten months. One baby born in November passed away two days after birth. With a total of four surviving, this is the highest number of gorilla infants the institution has had as part of its collection in its 118-year history.

“This outstanding track record in breeding western lowland gorillas is one indicator of how successful Zoo Atlanta’s Great Ape program has become,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta president and CEO. “Seeing the infants in their habitats is impressive and extremely inspiring.”

This baby is the fourth living offspring born to Zoo Atlanta’s newest silverback Taz and the first offspring for mother Sukari. The new mother and offspring are both doing fine and early indications are that they are already bonding.

Guests can visit Sukari and her baby along with new additions Macy Baby and the gorilla twins, Kali and Kazi, in The Ford African Rain Forest. Seventeen gorillas have been born and mother-reared at Zoo Atlanta since 1988. With a total of 24 western lowland gorillas, Zoo Atlanta cares for the second largest gorilla collection in North America including five gorillas that are over 40 years of age and considered geriatric.

Still images and bi-weekly updates on the baby’s progress will be posted on our gorilla baby update page.

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