Zoo Miami welcomes baby gorilla

MIAMI, June 21 (UPI) -- Zoo Miami officials said the recent arrival of an infant western lowland gorilla marks "the most significant birth of the year."

The zookeepers said 14-year-old mother Kumbuka gave birth during the weekend and the infant's sex and weight have not yet been determined, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

"Because the mother is so protective, we don't want to disturb the first critical hours of bonding and nursing between her and her newborn," the zoo said in a statement. The zoo said the gorilla's arrival marked "the most significant birth of the year."

The zoo said the baby, which appears healthy and has been nursing, is currently on exhibit with Kumbuka, 32-year-old father J.J. and the rest of the zoo's gorillas.