Imani, and eighteen-year-old gorilla, gave birth March 12 to at 4.6 pound infant via emergency c-section.
A spokesperson for the zoo said that Imani went into labor but was not showing any signs of progress. Veterinary staff believed the health of Imani’s offspring would have suffered if a medical intervention had not taken place.
Prior to surgery, veterinary staff and zoo officials consulted with human neonatal specialists at UCSD Medical Center.
The infant was put in intensive care to receive oxygen and supplemental fluids, and both mom and baby expected to recover beautifully.
Watch the video of Imani’s C-section below:
