The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is celebrating baby gorilla, Kayembe’s, 1st birthday this Wednesday, October 26 and guests are invited to join in on the fun.
Kayembe, who made history as the first gorilla born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in its 140 years, and the troop, will be receiving special birthday “treats” and guests will have the opportunity to sign a giant birthday card beginning at noon at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building.
The Zoo’s animal care experts will be onsite talking about what it takes to care for the Zoo’s gorillas.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has launched its first children’s book, Baby K’s Big Day. The story celebrates Kayembe’s extraordinary birth in the hopes of building connections with and conservation of this amazing and critically endangered species.
“Kayembe has captured the hearts of so many with his extraordinary birth and story,” says Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “To see how the public has connected with the gorilla troop underscores the importance of our conservation efforts and the need to protect them in the wild.”
Proceeds of this book will support the construction of the future home for Kayembe and his troop in the Zoo’s upcoming Primate Forest habitat that will set a new standard for animal care and conservation.