Pittsburgh Zoo Gorilla May Be Expecting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – There could be a new addition to the Pittsburgh Zoo. The zoo announced Wednesday that female gorilla, Moka, could be pregnant.
According to the zoo, a recent pregnancy test came back positive for the gorilla. They aren't sure that Moka is 100% pregnant though, because it's not as easy as the test suggests.
Karen Vacco, Assistant Curator of mammals at the zoo, says they will continue to monitor the gorilla for changes in behavior, and weight gain.
The zoo say gorilla gestation is approximately eight months. At birth, baby gorillas weigh between 4 and 5 pounds. It is important for mom and baby to bond shortly after birth and for the baby to begin nursing. The mortality rate for infant gorillas in the first several months is 40 percent.
This is Moka's second pregnancy. She gave birth to a baby boy last year and was a very caring mom. Unfortunately, at 4-months of age, the baby gorilla passed away.
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