The nationally-renowned zoo in Wichita credits its staff and zookeepers for Kucheza’s successful birth and helping him survive through his first couple of days until he could be reunited with his mother.

The home of the great apes at the Sedgwick County Zoo requires the love, attention and care from zookeepers like Devin Turner.

On Tuesday morning, Turner, who’s been with the zoo since 2001, saw one of its chimp’s, Mahale, in labor.

On Tuesday morning, Turner, who’s been with the zoo since 2001, saw one of its chimp’s, Mahale, in labor.

Turner said Mahale’s labor progressed, then stalled, raising concerns.

Turner said Mahale’s labor progressed, then stalled, raising concerns.

“We became concerned and we also were watching her get more and more tired,” Turner said. “She was just looking exhausted.”

“You have to give a lot of kudos to the keepers because they have such a good relationship that Mahale trusted the keepers enough,” said Sedgwick County Zoo Animal Health Director Dr. Heather Arens.

After the emergency C-section to deliver Kucheza, Turner was the first to hold the newborn chimp. He was having trouble breathing.

This is where keepers stepped up to make sure he survived.

This is where keepers stepped up to make sure he survived.