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Summary of Transcript:
The video features veterinarians at Zoo Atlanta explaining their use of voluntary prenatal ultrasounds to monitor the growth and health of a pregnant gorilla, Chilea, and her unborn baby. They examine Chilea’s belly, the size and position of the baby, the placenta and umbilical cord, and the baby’s heart. They also work with a human cardiac sonographer to get an echocardiogram of Chilea’s heart health. The Zoo is part of the SSP, which regulates the genetic diversity of gorillas in North America. They have a birth plan for the gorillas, which includes raising the baby on their own, helping if necessary, and as a last resort, hand-rearing the baby. Gorillas are critically endangered or endangered, and Zoo Atlanta hopes to inspire conservation action through their connection to visitors.
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Summary of Description:
On April 24, 2023, Zoo Atlanta announced the birth of a western lowland gorilla named Willie B. III to parents Shalia and Willie B., Jr. The Zoo shared how the Gorilla Care Team, Veterinary Team, and partners had assisted Shalia in participating in her prenatal care.
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Zoo Atlanta Celebrates Birth of Western Lowland Gorilla
Atlanta Zoo recently announced the birth of a precious gorilla, Willie B. III, to the proud parents Shalia and Willie B. Jr. This remarkable event occurred on April 24, 2023, a special moment for the entire team at the Zoo. The birth of this newborn presented an opportunity for the team to look back at Shalia’s prenatal care, which involved the Gorilla Care Team, the Veterinary Team, and various other partners in a collaborative effort to ensure the mother’s and the newborn’s good health.
The Importance of Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is of utmost importance in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and birth. This holds for humans as well as animals. Gorillas, brilliant and social animals, require extra care to ensure their well-being, especially during pregnancy.
Being pregnant, Shalia needed specialized medical attention during every step of her term. The Zoo Atlanta team collaborated to provide her with adequate prenatal care. This meant, among other things, ensuring Shalia’s diet and exercise routine were appropriate for her pregnancy.
Gorilla Care Team
The Gorilla Care Team showed exceptional care and attention to Shalia’s pregnancy. They were responsible for providing her with the right kind of care right from the moment of conception. They monitored her diet, which was crucial for nourishing her and the baby. The team ensured she was receiving nutritiously rich food and on time. The team also kept her habitat clean and comfortable to avoid stressors and provide a conducive atmosphere to aid her pregnancy.
The Gorilla Care Team also ensured Shalia received sufficient exercise, which is necessary to ensure the optimal health of both mother and baby. According to research, providing pregnant gorillas with proper exercise and stimulation has proven effective in ensuring they are in good physical condition post-delivery.
Veterinary Team
The Zoo Atlanta Veterinary Team was crucial in Shalia’s prenatal care. The team provided regular check-ups to ensure she was healthy throughout her pregnancy. The vet team used ultrasonic technology to monitor the growth and development of the fetus, ensuring everything was developing according to plan.
The team also prepared for probable complications and emergencies during the birthing process. As such, they planned and rehearsed procedures to follow in an emergency.
Partnerships
Collaborations between Zoo Atlanta and partners have been instrumental in ensuring the success of Shalia’s pregnancy and the safe delivery of Willie B. III. The Zoo partnered with numerous specialists, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and others, to ensure that Shalia received foolproof care throughout her pregnancy.
Partnerships with universities and research institutions also fostered an environment of continuous learning and investigation into gorilla prenatal care.
Conclusion
The birth of Willie B. III has been a monumental event for the entire team at Zoo Atlanta. It was not just a happy moment but a culmination of months of diligent and dedicated work by the Gorilla Care, Veterinary, and partners. The result is a beautifully healthy newborn with a promising future, a testament to the importance of adequate prenatal care. The work of the team at Zoo Atlanta is a reminder of the significance of animal care, particularly for intelligent, social animals like gorillas. Shalia’s pregnancy has been a success story and inspires other organizations to follow in their footsteps and prioritize animal welfare.
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Source Description
Zoo Atlanta celebrated the birth of western lowland gorilla Willie B. III, to Shalia and Willie B., Jr., on April 24, 2023. Look back at how the Gorilla Care Team, Veterinary Team, and partners helped Shalia participate in her prenatal care.
