&w=1200&q=75)
Rare Emergency C-Section Saves Life of Newborn Gorilla at Seattle Zoo
Doctors perform rare emergency C-section on a gorilla
Image: Popular Science
A rare emergency C-section was performed on Olympia, a western lowland gorilla at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, to safely deliver her baby after complications arose. Both mother and baby are recovering well, with support from the zoo's veterinary team.
- 01The emergency C-section was prompted by low amniotic fluid and a concerning heart rate for the baby gorilla.
- 02This procedure is extremely rare, with fewer than a dozen documented cases in gorillas.
- 03The medical team utilized an ultrasound device called Butterfly to monitor the pregnancy and assist in the delivery.
- 04Both Olympia and her newborn are now back with their gorilla troop, with another gorilla, Jamani, helping care for the infants.
- 05Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, making the health of both mother and baby particularly important.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
At Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, an emergency C-section was successfully performed on Olympia, a pregnant western lowland gorilla, to deliver her baby after complications arose. The procedure was conducted by a medical team that typically works with humans, as the gorilla care team noticed low amniotic fluid and irregular heart rates. This type of surgery is rare, with less than a dozen C-sections recorded in gorillas. The medical team utilized the Butterfly ultrasound device to monitor the pregnancy and assist during the delivery. After the birth on May 24, both mother and baby were initially separated for recovery but are now back with their gorilla troop. Jamani, another gorilla, is assisting in caring for both infants. The health of both the mother and her newborn is crucial, as western lowland gorillas are critically endangered.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The successful delivery of the baby gorilla is significant for conservation efforts, as western lowland gorillas are critically endangered.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the use of emergency C-sections in wildlife care?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.