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Baby Western Lowland Gorilla Born at Zoo Knoxville — First Gorilla Birth There in Nearly a Decade

Zoo Knoxville welcomed a healthy Western lowland gorilla infant on Nov. 19, the zoo’s first gorilla birth since 2016. The baby is the first offspring of 27-year-old Kumi and silverback Bantu; Kumi joined Zoo Knoxville in 2024. Staff are remaining hands-off to allow natural bonding while gently introducing the infant to the troop. Zoo leaders say the birth is an encouraging step for a species that has declined sharply in the wild and remains critically endangered.

02:33 AM, 11/23/2025Environment
Baby Western Lowland Gorilla Born at Zoo Knoxville — First Gorilla Birth There in Nearly a Decade

Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee has welcomed a healthy Western lowland gorilla infant born on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at about 8:15 a.m. The newborn is the first gorilla born at the zoo since 2016.

The 27-year-old mother, Kumi, gave birth to her first offspring with silverback Bantu. Kumi, who joined Zoo Knoxville earlier in 2024, has been reported as calm and attentive while zoo staff take a hands-off approach to allow natural bonding.

Care and introduction: In the days after the birth, caregivers have been gently introducing the infant to the rest of the troop while allowing Kumi to nurture and care for her baby without interference. Zoo officials say both mother and newborn are doing well.

Leadership reaction: Zoo Knoxville President and CEO Bill Street said, “Each gorilla birth brings new hope for the future of this critically endangered species,” calling the arrival an encouraging development for Western lowland gorilla conservation.

Conservation context: Western lowland gorillas face major threats in the wild, including poaching and disease. The World Wildlife Fund estimates their numbers have declined by more than 60% over the past two to 2.5 decades, and recovery could take many decades even if all threats were removed. Accredited zoos play an important role by maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations that support long-term conservation efforts.

The zoo has shared photos and video of Kumi and her infant on its social channels and will continue monitoring the mother and newborn as they settle into the troop.

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