Baby Chimpanzee Born At Detroit Zoo Now Has A Name

DETROIT — One of the Detroit Zoo's newest additions now has a name.

A baby chimpanzee, who was born at the zoo on the Fourth of July, has been named Nakili. The name means "a copy" or "to copy" in Swahili.

Zoo officials said the name works because "Nakili is a perfect little copy of her Mother, Nyani, who is also a twin."

"As she grows, baby Nakili will also learn to copy her mom's behaviors, which will ultimately allow her to thrive in the chimpanzee troop," zoo officials said in a statement. "As a first-time mom, this is an important time for Nyani as she learns to navigate with her little bundle."

Zoo officials said baby Nakili now weighs roughly five pounds. They also noted she is nursing well, hitting her milestones and has spent time in the outdoor habitat with her mom.