SEDGWICK COUNTY -A Kansas zoo is celebrating a special birth.

The Sedgwick County Zoo staff is welcoming a lowland gorilla baby into the world, according to a social media report.

This is the first gorilla birth at the zoo and the first baby born to Barika, 15 and Matt, 23. The gender of the baby, born August 3, is unknown at this time.

Staff has observed the baby nursing and it is clinging well and looks strong.

The gorilla family group, including Matt, Kivu and Kiagli, will remain in the behind-the-scenes areas until the gorilla care staff is confident that the baby is healthy, strong and ready for all the excitement that comes with a public debut.

Lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species due to habitat destruction, big game hunting and poaching. This species can be found in African countries of Cameroon, People’s Republic of Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea, according to the Sedgwick County Zoo.