CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is preparing for a special birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

The zoo will be celebrating Kayembe's first birthday. The baby gorilla made history as the first gorilla born at the zoo in its 140 years.

What You Need To Know

  • The zoo will be celebrating Kayembe the gorilla's first birthday Wednesday

  • The zoo is celebrating with its first-ever chldren's book, Baby K's Big Day

  • Proceeds from the book sales will go toward the construction of the Primate Forest habitat at the zoo

  • Visitors are invited to join a celebration at noon at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building 

The zoo is celebrating with its first-ever chldren's book, Baby K's Big Day, which celebrates Kayembe and the hope of connecting and conserving the 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 from the book sales will go toward the construction of the Primate Forest habitat at the zoo, which will be used by Kayembe and his troop. 

The book can be purchased at Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shops and at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for $9.99, as well as online at clevelandmetroparks.com/shop.

Visitors are invited to join a celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at noon at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, where the gorillas will receive special treats. Guests are also invited to sign a birthday card for Kayembe. 

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