Baby Gorilla At Franklin Park Zoo A Male, Not Female As Originally Thought

BOSTON (CBS) – Staff at the Franklin Park Zoo received quite the surprise when they finally had the opportunity to examine a baby gorilla born this spring.

On Wednesday, zoo officials announced that the gorilla born in May, believed to be a female, is actually a male.

As a result, baby Aziza will now be called Azize.

When Kiki, a western lowland gorilla, gave birth, staff at the zoo could only get a limited view of the baby. Because of Kiki's protective nature, she had been holding the baby closely.

"As it is healthier for mothers to raise and bond with their offspring naturally, our staff will only intervene if it is necessary for the welfare of the baby or the mother," zoo officials said. "Without a medical exam, it is very difficult to determine the sex of a baby gorilla, particularly when the mother holds the baby closely."

Now that the baby has reached the developmental phase where it can crawl and stand, staff was able to determine that the baby was indeed Kiki's first son.