Jul 21, 2023 - News

Columbus Zoo welcomes baby gorilla

Alissa Widman Neese

A baby gorilla in its mother's arms — The zoo's new, unexpected baby gorilla. Photo: Amanda Carberry/Courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The latest gorilla birth at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was doubly surprising.

The intrigue: Zoo staff had no idea new mother Sully was pregnant — because until she recently gave birth, they thought the 8-year-old ape was a male.

Context: Young male and female gorillas are about the same size and don’t have prominent sex organs, per the zoo.

Sully came from another zoo in 2019 and never needed up-close medical intervention.

What they're saying: Mother and baby — both confirmed to be female — are doing well and can be viewed by guests starting at 11am today.

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Columbus Zoo welcomes baby gorilla

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