Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Welcomes Critically Endangered Gorilla Baby: They're 'Absolutely Precious'

The unnamed newborn's sex will be determined at a later date

<p>Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</p> Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has expanded its animal family by one!

The Ohio-based attraction welcomed a baby western lowland gorilla during the early morning hours of Saturday, June 29, the zoo said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE.

Born to first-time mother Sue and father Ktembe, the unnamed newborn's sex will be determined at a later date.

Currently, the indoor viewing habitat at the zoo’s Congo Expedition region will remain closed for some time "to provide the gorillas with some more privacy," per the zoo. However, guests will be able to view the establishment's other gorillas in the outdoor habitat.

On Monday, July 8, visitors will be able to view the gorilla family and their new addition during zoo hours.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

<p>Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</p> Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Sue the gorilla with her newborn baby

Related: Surrogate Manatee Mom, Who Has Helped Dozens of Baby Manatees, Is Caring for 2 More on Mother's Day

In a statement, Audra Meinelt, the curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region, said, "For months, our care team has been busy preparing for the baby’s arrival, and we are thrilled that the time has finally come to welcome this important new addition."

"With tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes that melt our hearts, this baby is absolutely precious—in regard to both the cuteness factor and what the baby represents for this species’ future," she added. "We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who diligently work to provide the gorillas with top quality care and wellbeing while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renown gorilla program."

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), western lowland gorillas are currently listed as critically endangered due to reasons such as habitat loss and deforestation.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it is "a proud supporter" of numerous gorilla conservation projects.

Alongside a gorilla breeding program, the zoo has also taken part in a successful fostering program.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.