NEW ORLEANS — Less than a week after celebrating the birth of a critically endangered gorilla, the zoo in New Orleans is mourning its death.
Audubon Zoo officials say the baby born Friday died on Wednesday.
Jonathan Vogel/AP
The cause is not yet known, but officials say the 13-year-old mother may not have produced enough milk.
Veterinarian Robert MacLean says, "unfortunately, it is not unusual for a first-time gorilla mom to lose an offspring."
Officials say necropsy results will be available in a few weeks.
The baby seemed to be doing well at first but appeared lethargic and weak Wednesday evening. It was taken to the zoo's animal hospital but veterinarians couldn't save it.
