Atlanta Gorilla Becomes Oldest in Captivity to Sire an Offspring

Willie B., a 35-year-old silverback gorilla, has become the oldest gorilla in captivity to sire an offspring, Zoo Atlanta officials said Wednesday in announcing the birth of the as-yet-unnamed baby.

The baby gorilla appeared in good condition as its mother, Choomba, sat with it clasped to her chest. The baby’s sex had not been determined.

Zoo officials said they were delighted with the new arrival, in part because Willie B. is the father. The gorilla hadn’t mingled with females after arriving at the zoo in 1962. But Choomba, 30, who is on loan to the zoo from the Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center of Emory University, caught his eye.

From across separate living areas, a courtship began with long glances and love calls--just as in the wild.

Employees at the zoo, where the gorilla population now numbers 20, are tentatively calling the newborn “Baby B.,” “Willie the Kid,” “Billie” and “Billy.” A name contest was likely.

So where did Willie B. get his name? After former Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield. Hartsfield not only has a gorilla namesake. They also named the city’s airport for him.