LITTLE ROCK (October 17, 2006) - The Little Rock Zoo is proud to announce its newest gorilla addition, an infant born last week to gorillas Sekani and Fossey, is a boy. Keepers were unable to determine the sex of the infant immediately after its birth last Tuesday, but were able to glimpse at the “necessary parts” this weekend to determine the baby’s sex.

“There’s no doubt about it. That gorilla baby is a boy!” exclaimed great ape keeper Daphne Brock Phieffer.

The baby has still not been given a name. Zoo staff say they are considering a public naming competition for the baby, but have not made a final decision.
Zoo staff also report that mother Sekani is taking good care of her infant and all members of the gorilla troop appear to be accepting and accommodating to the new arrival. Sekani and her new baby share quarters with Fossey, father of the infant, and Catherine, Sekani’s troupe mate.

All Zoo gorillas are western lowland gorillas. The birth of Sekani’s baby marks the fist time an infant gorilla has been born at the Little Rock Zoo.

The Little Rock Zoo will exhibit JJ, a 19-year-old male gorilla, Brutus, a 28-year-old male gorilla, and Trudy, a 50-year-old female gorilla.

Sekani, the baby, Catherine, and Fossey will not be on exhibit for next few weeks while the gorilla family adjusts to its latest addition. Sekani and her baby are expected make an appearance in the east gorilla yard in the next three to four weeks, dependent on weather and the health of the infant.

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.