Our Daily Planet: Mount McKinley Solo Climber and Sydney's New Baby Gorilla

Each weekday morning, OurAmazingPlanet takes the pulse of the Earth, reporting on natural phenomena and exploration news from around the globe.

Polar Swim: One polar bear recently showed off its endurance by swimming continuously for nine days. The bear covered 426 miles (687 kilometers) according to a new study.

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Baby Gorilla: A newborn gorilla debuted at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. The baby's name is Kipenzi, which is Swahili for "Precious One." See video of the newborn here.

Previously on Our Daily Planet: Weirdest Imperiled Animals and Brutal Cold Weather

Reach OurAmazingPlanet staff writer Brett Israel at bisrael@techmedianetwork.com. Follow him on Twitter @btisrael.

Brett Israel was a staff writer for Live Science with a focus on environmental issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from The University of Georgia, a master’s degree in journalism from New York University, and has studied doctorate-level biochemistry at Emory University.