The Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed a new baby chimpanzee earlier this week. According to the Zoo, on Tuesday Chimpanzee Mahale was laboring throughout the morning when the animal care team noticed changes in her progression. They made the decision to intervene surgically, and the baby boy was born at 12:48 p.m. via C-Section.
"Drs. Laura Whisler and Janna Chibry of College Hill OB-GYN were on hand to perform the cesarean section with the Zoo's veterinary team," the SCZ said. "The pair have consulted with Sedgwick County Zoo veterinarians on all great ape pregnancies for the past decade — most recently delivering Sumatran Orangutan, Lily, via Csection in 2018."
The Zoo says Mahale is recovering well behind the scenes. Due to low oxygen levels, the baby boy received treatment and bottle feedings from the animal care team overnight. As of Wednesday morning, the baby chimp is doing well, and the team feels he will be able to reunite with his mom very soon.
This is 28-year-old Mahale's third baby. According to the zoo, Mom and her baby boy will stay behind the scenes until it is clear that they are both healthy and bonded.
