In the nursery, Zoo staff (primarily Chriss Pendleton, Molly Widdis, Sue Allen, and Barb Jones) worked around the clock taking care of both twins, recording their health checks, food intake, weight gain, sleeping habits, and any other pertinent information to their wellbeing. In all, over 2,000 people crowded at the nursery window on that day. On the day of their public debut, more than 600 people were waiting at the Columbus Zoo’s front gate before it even opened. The Columbus Zoo created a “nursery,” a habitat complete with stimulating bright colors, enrichment and toys, wild gorilla sounds, and a large glass window to allow visiting Zoo guests to see the twins. Born Octoat the Columbus Zoo, they were the first surviving gorilla twins born in the Western Hemisphere. ![]() The keepers realized they had witnessed one of the rarest events in zoo history. Baby A (left), born minutes before Baby B (right) at the Columbus Zoo's hospital on October 26, 1983. In fact, at 4 pounds 8 ounces each, they both weighed more than most single babies. She had carried the babies to full term, and their birth weight was substantial. They appeared healthy after birth, and Bridgette was resting comfortably. The baby was then rushed to a waiting incubator at the Zoo’s hospital.īridgette was given time to bond with the first baby, still in her arms, and was then anesthetized so the baby could be removed to assess its health.īoth babies were male and, for the time being, were named Baby A and Baby B. Bridgette and the first baby were moved to another location, allowing an opportunity for the medical staff to access the second baby and break open the amniotic sac with a small hook. The second baby, now on the ground, was still in the amniotic sac and needed immediate staff intervention. Instead of picking that baby up as well, she diverted her attention to the delivered placenta and began to consume it, a natural thing for gorilla mothers to do following birth. One minute later, the second baby was born. Bridgette immediate picked the baby up and cradled the little one in her arms. Shortly after midnight, the first baby was born. Ultrasound of twin gorillas, 1983 (right). Suzi began to record the activities and alerted Zoo medical staff, who rapidly responded. Bridgette’s water broke, and active labor began. On October 25, Jack Hanna’s wife, Suzi, was on watch. A room in the Zoo's hospital was converted into a watch station where, through cameras mounted in her observation loft, volunteers and Zoo staff could monitor her progress without disturbing her. ![]() ![]() As she entered her final trimester, the Zoo monitored the fetuses’ position in the womb and was prepared to intervene during labor if necessary. Zoo staff and volunteers watched Bridgette closely during her pregnancy. The twins' mother, Bridgette (left) and father, Oscar (right) circa 1983. She was given special vitamins and comfort foods that the keepers hoped would help her remain content and was also given fresh hay each day for nesting.Ĭolo’s son Oscar, the twins’ father, was separated from Bridgette to prevent any potential rough activity that could result in accidental injury to her or the unborn twins. The Beginningįollowing the discovery in July 1983 that gorilla Bridgette was carrying twins, the Columbus Zoo mobilized more than 60 volunteers, who worked around the clock to ensure that she was comfortable and that her babies would be born healthy. While knowledge and practices have evolved throughout the last 70 years, in particular, the story of Colo’s grandsons, Macombo II and Mosuba-and the dedication of their care providers-helped build a strong foundation on which the current program has grown. Over the years, Colo’s descendants have also made history, adding to the impact of the Zoo’s long-standing commitment to helping to protect gorillas in professional care and their native ranges. Since Colo’s birth, the Columbus Zoo has continued to evolve and both gained and contributed to additional scientific knowledge about Western lowland gorillas. In 1956, the Columbus Zoo celebrated the birth of Colo, the first gorilla ever born in professional care. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is world renown for achieving many “firsts” through its successful gorilla program.
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