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Big news in 1965 was the first birth of a gorilla at the Zoo: Alvila. She was only the seventh gorilla that had been born in any zoo worldwide. Her name was a combination of her father’s, Albert, and her mother’s, Vila.
After Alvila's birth, Vila tried to care for her baby, but she couldn’t get the hang of how to nurse her properly. So Alvila was brought to the Children’s Zoo nursery to be hand raised. Visitors flocked to see the baby ape as she grew. Alvila was an adorable handful, and she kept the Children's Zoo nursery attendants on their toes.

1965

Innovation 1957 - 1966

Welcome to Alvila, the first gorilla born at the San Diego Zoo!

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