In cute news for the day…
A baby gorilla was born through a rare C-section procedure at the San Diego Zoo this past week, but was suffering from a collapsed lung and breathing issues right after being welcomed into the world.
Fortunately, doctors rushed to the scene and they were able to completely fix it!
According to NBC, the gorilla is still in intensive care and is being monitored 24/7 but is “doing well” since the surgery:
The tiny gorilla was carefully intubated and specialists suctioned out a mucus plug that was in her right lung. Park officials believe it likely aspirated at the time of the baby gorilla’s complicated delivery. Following the procedure, the medical team re-inflated the critter’s lung. After monitoring the baby animal, specialists concluded that both lungs were fully inflated and called the procedure a success. Once she awoke from the anesthesia, her breathing tube was removed and she was placed on a nasal cannula with oxygen for continued respiratory support.
The mother of the baby gorilla went into labor on Wednesday night, and didn’t give birth until Friday morning. The baby has yet to be named.
The Associate Director of the Park’s Veterinary Services told the outlet:
In retrospect the C-section was the right decision,” said the park’s Associate Director of Veterinary Services Nadine Lamberski in a release. “We think the health of the fetus would have been compromised if we delayed the surgery any longer.”
We can’t wait to see the progress of this baby gorilla. He is just too cute!
SOURCE: NBC
