Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates baby gorilla’s first birthday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is throwing a birthday party for one of its newest members.

Sully, a western lowland gorilla, is turning one next week! The zoo is partnering with Children's Hospital Colorado to throw Sully a party on Tuesday, July 21.

Guests can learn more about all the gorillas currently at the zoo, while also creating a birthday card for Sully and helping to sing "Happy Birthday" to him. The zoo is also working with Children's Hospital Colorado on healthy activities throughout the event.

According to the zoo, Sully has made major milestones over the last year, including trying solid foods, playing with members of the troop and working with his care team. Sully's mom, Asha, and silverback gorilla dad, Goma, have continued to care for him over the year. Sully is Asha's third baby and Goma's first.

Sully was the first gorilla born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 13 years, according to zoo officials. Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered, according to the zoo.

The birthday party is open to members and guests with advance tickets to the zoo. The party starts at 10 a.m. and runs through noon.

Tickets are available on the zoo's website.