Baby gorilla delivered via emergency C-section at Texas zoo

A baby gorilla was born in a Texas zoo via emergency C-section (Image credit: fortworthzoo/Instagram)

A Texas zoo delivered a premature baby gorilla via an emergency caesarian section. Fort Worth Zoo said the baby gorilla was delivered four to six weeks early after its mother, Sekani, began exhibiting signs of preeclampsia, a serious blood-pressure condition that can occur during pregnancy in both humans and primates.

Baby Jameela was born on January 5 at Fort Worth Zoo in Texas via emergency C-section for the first time in the zoo’s history.

“Because of this serious preeclampsia condition, along with the prematurity of the baby, Zoo staff and veterinarians consulted with a local obstetrician and neonatologist and agreed that an emergency cesarean would need to take place,” the zoo said in a series of Instagram posts over the last few days announcing the birth of baby Jameela.

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Although mom Sekani made a full recovery, she was “not demonstrating the necessary maternal signs to care for her premature baby.” Zoo and veterinary staff stepped up to take care of baby Jameela around the clock.

Over the last five weeks, the critically endangered gorilla has been under constant surveillance. “Staff went above and beyond — they fed her at all hours of the morning and night, baby proofed, purchased baby supplies and even moved an incubator from the Zoo hospital to World of Primates to create a baby gorilla ‘nursery’,” the zoo said.

Jameela’s delivery

Dr Jamie Walker Erwin, a Fort Worth-based obstetrician and gynecologist, was brought in to help with Sekani’s difficult delivery.

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“Primates are humans’ closest living relatives in the animal kingdom with many biological similarities. Our veterinary team has consulted with physicians for humans in the past to seek advice on particular cases involving primates,” the zoo said. “The Zoo has a years-long relationship consulting with Jamie Walker Erwin, M.D., board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, who quickly assembled a volunteer medical team to assist with the life-saving delivery procedure.”

Then name Jameela means “beautiful” in Swahili, but it is also a nod to Dr Jamie Erwin.

“Taking part in delivering Sekani’s infant via cesarean section was one of the highlights of my entire career as an OB-GYN,” Dr Erwin said. “It is an honour and privilege to assist with care for this endangered species.”