Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and CrossCountry Mortgage are inviting the public to help choose a name for the first gorilla born at the zoo in its 139-year history. The naming opportunity not only will help the male gorilla, born October 26, settle into his home at the zoo but also supports conservation of the critically endangered species in the wild.
Participants can cast votes by making a financial contribution for any of three names online at FutureForWildlife.org/
The gorilla’s birth on October 26 was estimated to be a month premature, and his mother, Nneka, did not immediately show the appropriate maternal care that newborn gorillas require. However, the troop’s eldest female, Fredrika or “Freddy,” quickly picked him up and has been serving as his surrogate mother ever since. In November he developed pneumonia, requiring zoo experts to step in and provide hands-on, 24/7 care, but this month he was successfully reunited with Freddy and the troop following his recovery.
Guests visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can visit the baby and gorilla troop at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For more video and virtual fun, visit the Cleveland Zoo’s Facebook Page.
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