Ohio zoo announces birth of western lowland gorilla

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Wednesday announced the birth of a western lowland gorilla, a species which is endangered in the wild.

The zoo's announcement says the infant was born on June 29 to first-time mother Sue and father Ktembe. It's the 35th gorilla born at the zoo.

"Sue is being an amazing mom, cuddling and caring for her newborn with lots of love," the zoo says in a post on social media.

The zoo says it will determine the infant's sex at a later time as it allows the mother and child to bond. The infant is expected to go on view to the public on Monday.

"Our Conservation Medicine and Animal Care teams have worked hard preparing for this special arrival and we are overjoyed to welcome this adorable baby, whose tiny hands and big brown eyes are already melting hearts," the post says.

Western lowland gorillas, which live in the Congo basin in Africa, are listed as critically endangered, primarily because of habitat loss and deforestation. according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute . Adult males can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh 500 pounds, while females can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to 41⁄2 feet.

In the wild, they have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years, but can live more than 50 years under human care.