Como Zoo Welcomes First Gorilla Baby Birth

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota zoo is welcoming the arrival of its first lowland gorilla baby.

The male gorilla was born Wednesday morning at the Como Zoo in St. Paul. He's the first baby for 12-year-old Alice. He's also the first gorilla born at the zoo in its 55-year history of gorilla care and conservation. He is also the first offspring of 29-year-old Schroeder, who has been at the Como Zoo since 1991.

The zoo says the baby seems to be healthy and strong at about 4 lbs. The zoo says he's already forming a bond with his mother.

A gorilla mother is very protective of her babies and will carry them on her chest for the first three months. A baby will ride on its mother's back at about six months.