Human Interest Animals Zoos Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Welcomes Critically Endangered Gorilla Baby: They're 'Absolutely Precious' The unnamed newborn's sex will be determined at a later date By Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice Nicholas Rice is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE Magazine. He began working with the brand as an Editorial Intern in early 2020, before later transitioning to a freelance role, and then staff positions soon after. Nicholas writes and edits anywhere between 7 to 9 stories per day on average for PEOPLE, spanning across each vertical the brand covers. People Editorial Guidelines Published on July 6, 2024 09:00AM EDT Close Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby. Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has expanded its animal family by one! The Ohio-based attraction welcomed a baby western lowland gorilla during the early morning hours of Saturday, June 29, the zoo said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. Born to first-time mother Sue and father Ktembe, the unnamed newborn's sex will be determined at a later date. Currently, the indoor viewing habitat at the zoo’s Congo Expedition region will remain closed for some time "to provide the gorillas with some more privacy," per the zoo. However, guests will be able to view the establishment's other gorillas in the outdoor habitat. On Monday, July 8, visitors will be able to view the gorilla family and their new addition during zoo hours. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Surrogate Manatee Mom, Who Has Helped Dozens of Baby Manatees, Is Caring for 2 More on Mother's Day In a statement, Audra Meinelt, the curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region, said, "For months, our care team has been busy preparing for the baby’s arrival, and we are thrilled that the time has finally come to welcome this important new addition." "With tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes that melt our hearts, this baby is absolutely precious—in regard to both the cuteness factor and what the baby represents for this species’ future," she added. "We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who diligently work to provide the gorillas with top quality care and wellbeing while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renown gorilla program." According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), western lowland gorillas are currently listed as critically endangered due to reasons such as habitat loss and deforestation. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it is "a proud supporter" of numerous gorilla conservation projects. Alongside a gorilla breeding program, the zoo has also taken part in a successful fostering program.