4-18-14 milwaukee zoo-baby gorilla dies

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A baby gorilla born less than a month ago at the Milwaukee County Zoo has died.

The gorilla, named Kassiu  was born March 19 to 13-year-old mother Naku and 27-year-old father Cassius.  In a statement Thursday, the officials said zookeepers reported the baby and mother appeared normal Wednesday morning. But by the afternoon, Kassiu appeared weak and stopped holding onto her mother, as newborn gorillas do.  The zoo's medical staff examined the baby and gave her fluids, glucose and antibiotics. A neonatologist and pediatrician were also called in, but Kassiu died Wednesday evening.  Zoo officials say the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine will perform a complete necropsy, or animal autopsy. Preliminary results are expected in a few days but a complete report might take several months.