Zoo officials said Kira, 17, an endangered Western lowland gorilla, began to show signs of fatigue after enduring 24 hours of labor Friday.
Officials brought a team of veterinarians and physicians to perform an emergency delivery using procedures and equipment similar to those used in the birthing of human babies, including forceps and an episiotomy. Kira was also anesthetized during the delivery to make the birthing process easier, zoo officials said.
Zookeepers cared for the newborn gorilla for approximately 24 hours while Kira recovered from the procedure. Officials said the 5-pound gorilla baby and its mother were healthy following the surgery.
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