Zoo Atlanta celebrates birth of western lowland gorilla

ATLANTA — If you are heading to the zoo, you may want to check out the gorilla habitat for a big surprise!

Zoo Atlanta is celebrating the birth of their newest western lowland gorilla.

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Shalia, the western lowland gorilla, gave birth on April 24 to the 25th gorilla to be born at Zoo Atlanta since the opening of the Ford African Forest in 1988.

The newborn gorilla’s sex has not been confirmed but is the grandchild of the late Willie B. According to the zoo, this is Willie B., Jr.’s first child.

Officials have not released the name of the gorilla.

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“The Willie B. legacy is a uniquely Atlanta tradition. Generations of Atlantans grew up with Willie B. and later his children and grandchildren, making connections not only with gorillas but also with a story that has become symbolic of the evolution of Zoo Atlanta,” said Raymond B. King, President, and CEO. “We are thrilled to see that legacy continue and to welcome a newborn ambassador for a critically endangered species.”

In addition to Shalia and her baby, Willie B., Jr.’s four sisters, Kudzoo, Olympia, Sukari and Lulu, have all had children in the past while residing at the zoo.

Guests of the zoo should be on the lookout for Shalia and the infant Gorilla Habitat 4 at the Ford African Rain Forest, although sightings are not guaranteed.

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