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  • From: Carrie McLaren <stay.free AT verizon.net>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Gorilla Twins' Mom Adopts Newborn
  • Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2005 14:54:58 -0500

Gorilla Twins' Mom Adopts Newborn
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=71816

The late Willie B.'s first grandchild has been adopted by his grandmother at Zoo Atlanta, officials announced Friday. Kuchi, who gave birth to rare twins Oct. 31, will now serve as a surrogate for her daughter's newborn as well.

Lulu, Willie B. and Kuchi's daughter, gave birth to a newborn on Nov. 7. A short time later, Kuchi broke free from her own newborn twins and nabbed her grandson. She was drugged so that the newborn boy could be safely returned to Lulu.

Since that time, Kuchi has taken over the mothering duties of her grandson while still nursing her own newborn boy and girl. Zoo Atlanta officials opted not to return the grandson to Lulu, who gave birth on Monday.

Lulu, a 6-year-old female western lowland gorilla, was born to Willie B. before his death. Zoo officials said they were pleasantly surprised at the birth. During a routine exam in May, a pregnancy test given to her turned up negative. In October, when Lulu started to exhibit signs of pregnancy, a second test was administered and gave positive results.

"Just as in humans, sometimes pregnancy tests can produce false negatives. The baby is healthy and a normal size and we will be monitoring its progress closely," said Dr. Maria Crane, Zoo Atlanta vice president of veterinary services.

With 23 western lowlands, Zoo Atlanta has the second-largest gorilla collection in North America. That number is growing as Willie B.'s first offspring, Kudzoo, is expected to give birth in early January.



  • [monkeywire] Gorilla Twins' Mom Adopts Newborn, Carrie McLaren, 11/11/2005

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