See Photos Of The Milwaukee County Zoo's Baby Gorilla

MILWAUKEE, WI —– A baby western lowland gorilla was recently born at the Milwaukee County Zoo and is doing well in her infancy, according to zoo officials. The western lowland gorilla is a critically endangered species.

The baby, a female born on Sep. 9, and was born to mother, Naku, and father, Cassius. Zoo officials said that Naku is a wonderful and very attentive mother, expertly nursing and caring for her newborn. The baby appears healthy, as keepers have reported her making eye contact with Naku and gripping onto mom’s stomach, as all newborns gorillas should do during their first six months of life.

As she gets older, the baby will "ride' on Naku’s back, eventually venturing off from her when ready. Babies may begin mouthing and exploring solid food/scraps that fall from mom’s mouth at three to four months of age.

Zookeepers estimate the baby most likely weighed about 3 pounds at birth, and may now weigh about 4 pounds.

In addition to Naku, Cassius and the newborn, the family group also includes female Shalia and her offspring, 3-year- old male, Sulaiman. Zookeepers said that Cassius is protective of Naku and the baby, while Sulaiman behaves not unlike a typical toddler – curious, full of energy and eager to pester the new addition. For the most part, Naku is tolerant of his attention.

In the lowland tropical rainforests of central Africa, western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, but are more common than their relatives, the mountain gorillas, Zoo officials said.

Western lowland gorillas face increasing threats from disease, wildlife trade, poaching and human encroachment. Over the past 20-25 years, more than 60 percent of western lowland gorilla populations have seen a marked decline.

Photos Courtesy Milwaukee County Zoo, Published With Permission