Unexpected: Baby gorilla named Kassiu dies at Milwaukee Co. Zoo
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- She was here for a month, but The Milwaukee County Zoo sadly announces the unexpected death of female, baby gorilla Kassiu.
Kassiu was born March 19th to 13-year-old mother, Naku, and 27-year-old father, Cassius. She was the first gorilla born at The Milwaukee County Zoo in nearly 20 years.
Zookeepers reported the baby and mother appeared normal Wednesday morning, April 16th, but there was a noticeable change by the afternoon.
"Naku, the mother was carrying the baby but it wasn't holding on. It was just limp and did not look good at all," said Jan Rafert, zoo primate curator.
After a problem was noticed, it was a process getting Kassiu emergency medical care.
"The question was how do you get the baby away from the mom because we can't just walk in with them. Were we going to have to anesthetize the mother to get the baby? But she basically sat the baby down and we were able to separate her," said Dr. Roberta Wallace, senior zoo veterinarian.
At that time, the baby was taken to the Zoo’s Animal Health Center for examination and treatment, and received emergency medical care, which included fluids, glucose and antibiotics.
A neonatologist and pediatrician were called in for consultation with the Zoo’s veterinary team.
Unfortunately, Kassiu died later that evening.
"That's really sad when it was born a month ago. It just seems really sad for me," said 11-year-old Drew Ardis, who was visiting the zoo.
Dr. Wallace says Kassiu's parents are being watched closely, especially her mother. Zookeepers are heartbroken by the death, but they know the future could bring new beginnings from the parents.
"We know that they're both fertile. That's important and we're hoping in the future, you know, that we'll have more gorillas," said Wallace.
Even though there is no cause of death yet, answers are being pursued.
"I hope we find out of course, but sometimes you don't. Sometimes, you know, mysteries persist," said Wallace.
Zoo officials say the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine will perform a complete necropsy, or animal autopsy. Preliminary results are expected in a few days but a complete report might take several months.
According to National Geographic, Western lowland gorillas are endangered, but they remain far more common than their relatives, the mountain gorillas. They live in heavy rain forests, and it is difficult for scientists to accurately estimate how many survive in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. CLICK HERE to learn more about the Western Lowland Gorilla from National Geographic.
If you'd like to support the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, CLICK HERE.
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