First Tennessee-bred gorilla in 30 years born at Knoxville Zoo

May 28, 2015 at 12:19 p.m. | Updated May 28, 2015 at 12:22 p.m.

by The Knoxville News Sentinel

Knoxville Zoo gorilla Hope gave birth around 2:30 this morning. There is no information available on the baby's sex or weight, but zoo officials said the mother and child are doing well.
Knoxville Zoo gorilla Hope gave birth around 2:30 this morning. There is no information available on the baby's sex or weight, but zoo officials said the mother and child are doing well.

KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Zoo gorilla Hope gave birth around 2:30 this morning. There is no information available on the baby's sex or weight, but zoo officials said the mother and child are doing well.

This is the first gorilla ever born in Knoxville and the first gorilla born in the state of Tennessee in 30 years. This is 31-year-old Hope's fourth baby, who has a history as a patient, attentive and playful mother, according to a news release from zoo officials.

Hope came to Knoxville in 2012 from Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., on the recommendation of the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan, according to the release.

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