A baby gorilla has been born in one of fewer than a dozen Caesarean sections ever successfully performed on the critically-endangered species.
The newborn western lowland gorilla was delivered after vets made the high-stakes decision to perform emergency surgery when complications arose during labour.
Experts say C-sections are exceptionally rare in gorillas because pregnancies are closely monitored and most births occur naturally without human intervention, as reported by Whats The Jam.
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The dramatic operation was carried out after the expectant mother, Olympia, showed signs her labour was not progressing safely.
A team of veterinary specialists, surgeons, anaesthesiologists and human obstetrics experts rushed into action, carrying out the delicate procedure to save both Olympia and her baby at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington.
The infant was delivered safely and has since been identified as a healthy male.
Zoo officials said fewer than a dozen Caesarean sections have ever been documented in gorillas worldwide, underlining just how unusual the operation was.
Veterinarians explained that the surgery is rarely attempted because gorillas have unique anatomy, react differently to anaesthesia than humans, and often require highly-specialised teams capable of managing both mother and infant simultaneously.
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Any complications can quickly become life-threatening for either animal.
Following the birth, keepers monitored the pair around the clock as Olympia recovered from surgery.
In an update released weeks later, zoo officials said the mother and baby were continuing to make progress.
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The youngster’s older sister has also begun showing interest in the newborn, offering encouraging signs for future social bonding within the family group.
Whilst Olympia is recovering, another gorilla named Jamani who has also recently given birth, has been helping care for Olympia’s baby.
Martin Ramirez, Curator of Mammalogy at Woodland Park Zoo said: “Jamani has been pulling double duty caring for two babies. While it can be physically demanding, her maternal behaviors have been good. She has consistently been nursing and snuggling each infant to keep them sufficiently warm the way mother gorillas need to.”
Western lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered, with wild populations threatened by habitat loss, poaching and disease.
Conservationists say every successful birth is significant for the long-term survival of the species.
Zoo staff described the outcome as an extraordinary success for veterinary medicine and gorilla conservation.
A spokesperson said the operation represented the culmination of months of planning, monitoring and collaboration between animal care specialists and medical experts.
The baby remains under close observation but is said to be doing well alongside his recovering mother.
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