1-year-old gorilla celebrates birthday at SF Zoo

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Zoo had a special birthday party on Thursday, but not for one of its visitors. It was for Kabibe, a western lowland gorilla born at the zoo a year ago.

The little gal got a special birthday cake made of ice and decorated with fruits and vegetables.

But like most 1-year-olds, Kabibe went right for the icing, licking it off the rocks.

And just like human babies, she is finding her independence.

"She's climbing," said SF Zoo Primates & Carnivores Curator Corinne MacDonald. "She's very active with her older brother. She's very curious and active on exhibit. She loves seeing the public and she interacts with them at some of the windows where the public can get up close to her."

Gorillas don't worry about feeding their young solid food, so Kabibe has had to learn to fend for her own food.

She's still taking baby formula, but will switch over to milk soon.