1st Cleveland-Born Gorilla's Name Revealed

CLEVELAND — The name of the first gorilla born in Cleveland is Kayembe, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced Thursday.

“Kayembe has captured the hearts of so many with his extraordinary birth and story,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “The naming opportunity with CrossCountry Mortgage was our most popular naming campaign yet and will support critical conservation of this iconic species.”

A three-week naming campaign determined Kayembe's name while raising money for gorilla conservation. The campaign received more than 600 donations and raised nearly $15,000 for the Fossey Fund in Rwanda. The fund is named for conservationist Dian Fossey.

Guests picked between one of three names:

• Bakari — Meaning "One who will succeed."
• Jabari — "Fearless or brave one."
• Kayembe — "Extraordinary."

Kayembe's Story

Kayembe was born Oct. 26, 2021 at the zoo. He was a month premature and his birth mother did not immediately show "appropriate maternal care" for her child, according to the zoo. Luckily, the eldest female in the zoo's gorilla troop, Freddy, quickly began raising the baby, serving as his surrogate mother.

The baby gorilla developed pneumonia in November and was briefly taken into all-day care by zoo staffers. However, in January, after fully recovering, the baby was reunited with Freddy. Kayembe is now four-months-old and is in nearly constant contact with Freddy.

Kayembe recently began crawling and exploring his habitat.

Kayembe's journey was chronicled through a video series shared on social media. The series has captured the baby's growth and development and has received more than 850,000 views.

“We are thrilled that friends of the Zoo nationwide have embraced this important new member of the Northeast Ohio community,” said Laura Soave, chief brand officer for Cross Country Mortgage, which sponsored the video series. “Kayembe is truly extraordinary in every respect, and we are enjoying the opportunity to follow his growth and development.”

Guests visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can visit Kayembe and the gorilla troop at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.