Detroit Zoo Announces Naming Contest For Baby Gorilla

ROYAL OAK, MI — You can help name a baby girl gorilla at the Detroit Zoo.

The baby was born earlier this month and was the first gorilla ever born at the Detroit Zoo in its 96-year history.

The names are:

• Usala – This name comes from the conservation corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also means “forest” in Kikumu language.
• Amateka — This name means “history” in Kinyarwanda language.
• Mbere — This name means “first” in Kinyarwanda language.
• Lobéké — This name comes from the national park in Cameroon, which is home to the highest density of western lowland gorillas in the world.
• Motema — This name means “heart” in Lingala language.

You can cast your vote at https://bit.ly/4cD2Q6k.

Voting is open through Sept. 9.

Each vote requires a minimum $10 donation, which will go toward SAFE gorilla - a group that protects wild gorilla populations.

The winner will be the name that raises the most money. It will be announced shortly after the contest concludes.

Zoo officials said the baby girl is thriving at the zoo under the care of her mother, Bandia, whom officials also said is doing well as a first time mom.