A baby gorilla born at the San Diego Zoo earlier this month has been successfully treated for pneumonia and was reunited with her mother on Monday for the first time since her cesarean section delivery.
The baby gorilla, which has yet to be named, was delivered March 12 to a gorilla named Imani at the zoo's Safari Park.
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Considering how rare C-section births are for gorillas, San Diego Zoo veterinary staff members were assisted by two physicians, a neonatal specialist, and an anesthesiologist at the time of birth.
In a video posted to SanDiegoZoo.org, the Safari Park's associate director of veterinary services, Nadine Lamberski, said the baby gorilla is expected to make a full recovery.
"She's developing normally and very rapidly," Lamberski said. "She's very strong, very grabby. She can hold her own bottle, we're very, very pleased with the progress."
After the baby was reintroduced to Imani on Monday, her mother brought the baby into their outdoor exhibit with other gorillas — an adult male, three adult females, and two young males — which watched from a distance,
The Associated Press reported.
Considering the baby was Imani's first, zoo staff members were initially concerned whether or not her maternal instincts would kick in. That concern, however, has declined with time.
"Since the physical introduction occurred, Imani has been extremely attached, holding and constantly carrying her infant," zookeepers told the AP.
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