News

Actions

Woman gives birth at Henry Doorly Zoo

Baby Drea born at Doorly Zoo
Posted
and last updated
A woman had a surprise delivery Sunday, giving birth at the Henry Doorly Zoo.

The newborn and new mom were taken to Nebraska M

Kymica Hubbard was on the zoo's train when her contractions started getting closer and closer - baby Drea wasn't going to wait to make her big debut.

"My water broke and then we got like 5 more steps and I was like "her head, her head,'" said Hubbard. 

And right there outside near the new bird exhibit, proud papa delivered his daughter.

"She was talking. She was crying. Cooing. It was just the most beautiful thing a man could ever see. It was truly a blessed experience," said Justin Hubbard. 

"The pain just went away because I was so excited for her coming. When I started feeling her head I was like oh my god my daughter is here," said Kymica Hubbard.  
 
The family is a zoo regular and says it plans to celebrate Drea's first birthday at the zoo.  She's even nicknamed "pooh-bear", which mom and dad say is perfect for their little cub.

Both mom and baby were taken to Nebraska Medicine for treatment and are both listed in good condition. The original due date was May 14th.  They expect to be released Tuesday.

The delivery took approximately 15 minutes and took place near the North Gate.  Drea weighed in at 5 lbs 5 ounces and 19 inches.