New Baby Gorilla at Zoo Atlanta

The firstborn offspring of the late, beloved Zoo Atlanta patriarch Willie B. gave birth to her first baby on Monday, Zoo Atlanta officials announced.

The baby's sex has not been determined. Kudzoo, who is now 11-years-old, is the eldest offspring of Willie B. Taz, the zoo's newest silverback, is the baby gorilla's father.

Zoo officials reported that Kudzoo and her new offspring are both doing fine and are already bonding. The pair can be visited in the African Rain Forest on days when the weather is above 50 degrees.

Another of Willie B.'s daughters, 7-year-old Sukari, is expected to give birth in the Spring.

Willie B.'s first grandchild died on Nov. 12 at just five days of age. The gorilla had been born to Lulu and Taz. Although the baby was deemed to be full term by Zoo Atlanta primate experts, his birth weight was considered to be low at just over three pounds.

The infant had been turned over to the care of Kuchi, his grandmother, when Lulu failed to property nurture him, but he died on Nov. 11.

Sixteen gorillas have been born and reared by their mothers at Zoo Atlanta since 1988. Officials say another of Willie B.'s daughters, 7-year-old Sukari, is expected to give birth next spring.
Willie B., who was so popular with visitors that he became the Zoo Atlanta mascot, died in February 2000 at 42.