Help Name Cleveland Zoo's 1st Baby Gorilla

CLEVELAND — Ohioans can now help name the first gorilla born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

On Oct. 26, 2021, for the first time in Cleveland Metroparks Zoo history, a male gorilla was born at the zoo. He was a month premature and his mother, Nneka, "did not immediately show appropriate maternal care" for the infant, the zoo said.

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, this month, after fully recovering, the baby was reunited with Freddy.

Supporters of the zoo can vote online and pick from one of three names for that historic baby.The three names voters can choose from are:

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

“Gorillas are an incredible species and the birth of the first gorilla here in Cleveland has been another reminder of why we need to protect them from extinction,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “Every vote to help name our gorilla will have a direct impact, protecting this iconic and critically endangered species in the wild.”

Visitors to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can visit the baby and other gorillas at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.