Papa's Making Up For Lost Time

Willie B. became a father for the fourth time Tuesday, barely a month after the birth of Willie Jr.

Zoo Atlanta's newest baby gorilla is the 10th born at the zoo's Ford African Rain Forest, which opened a decade ago.

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Willie B., captured in Africa, spent most of his life - 25 years - in isolation, but was among the first gorillas released into the habitat May 13, 1988.

It took a couple of years for him to learn some social skills, but since then he's been making up for lost time - at least in the breeding department.

The 39-year-old silverback's first offspring, Kudzoo, was born in 1994. Another daughter, Olympia, came along in 1996. Willie B. Jr., the gorilla's first son, was born April 8 of this year. The gender of Willie B.'s newest offspring hasn't been determined - mom won't give it up yet.

Willie B., the oldest reproducing male gorilla in captivity is going strong these days - there's even another little one on the way. Kuchi, a 13-year-old female, is carrying baby No. 5 for Willie B. She's due in September or October.

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