Premature gorilla born at Texas zoo after mother had life-threatening complications

The Fort Worth Zoo announced the birth of a female gorilla successfully delivered via emergency cesarean at the zoo on Jan. 5, 2024, after life-threatening complications impacted the health of the mother. Jameela was born four to six weeks early after zookeepers observed her mother, 33-year-old Sekani, exhibiting symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious blood-pressure condition that can occur during pregnancy in both humans and primates. Following testing to support a preeclampsia diagnosis, zoo veterinarians intervened immediately. Jameela was the third gorilla born in the zoo’s 115-year history but the first gorilla to be born via cesarean section. The Fort Worth Zoo consulted with Jamie Walker Erwin, M.D., board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, who assembled a volunteer medical team to assist with the life-saving delivery procedure. On Jan. 5, the Fort Worth Zoo veterinary team, along with assistance from Dr. Erwin, Neonatologist Robert Ursprung, M.D., Dennis Occkiogrosso, CRNA, and supporting experts successfully performed Sekani’s cesarean and care of the premature female gorilla, the zoo said in a release. FULL STORY: