ASHEBORO (AP) — Officials at the North Carolina Zoo say a baby gorilla born there last weekend has died.
Zoo officials confirmed that the gorilla died early Wednesday morning. A statement on the zoo’s webpage says while the cause of death isn’t known, zoo staff believes Acacia may have inadvertently rolled over on the infant in her sleep. The baby’s death was discovered during a routine check by a staff member. The baby was still in its mother’s arms.
The statement said the unnamed male was delivered by caesarean section on Sunday. It was Acacia’s first baby.
N.C. Zoo Chief Veterinarian Dr. Mike Loomis said all the physical signs and examinations over the first three days indicated the newborn was healthy.
Two male gorillas born at the zoo last August remain on exhibit.