(ASHEBORO) -- The North Carolina Zoological Park will soon have a new attraction.  A rare gorilla birth is expected.

Zoo spokesman Rod Hackney said the new addition could increase attendance at the zoo by as many as 100,000 visitors in the first year. "For the first time in 22 years, we have a pregnant gorilla," said Hackney. "Her name is Jamani.  She's 11 years old and came to us last year from the San Diego Zoo and the father is Nkosi who came to us from the Columbus, Ohio Zoo back in 2008."

Officials first suspected Jamani might be pregnant as early as last December. While a specific due date has not been released, the anticipation is building. Still, zoo Mammal Curator Terry Webb cautioned that there can sometimes be difficulties in carrying or delivering a baby for a first-time gorilla mother.

The zoo’s first baby gorilla, Kwanza, was born in March 1989. Kwan instantly became the zoo’s marquee attraction and was credited with bringing 80,000 additional visitors during his first year on exhibit.