CLEVELAND — Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is asking the public to help name its new baby gorilla, who was born back in October.
Votes can be cast through the Cleveland Zoological Society's website or in person. The zoo did narrow it down to three names:
- Bakari, meaning “one who will succeed”
- Jabari, meaning “fearless or brave one”
- Kayembe, meaning “extraordinary”
"Each of the names reflect and celebrate words from a range of languages spoken across west and central Africa where the few remaining gorilla populations live and celebrate the strength the baby has displayed already in his first few months," officials said.
The new name will be announced Feb. 17 on the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Zoo Society’s social media pages.
The western lowland gorilla was born on Oct. 26, becoming the first gorilla born at the zoo. When he was born, the mother, Nneka, didn't show appropriate maternal care, the zoo reported. Another gorilla, Fredrika — known as Freddy — who raised others at the zoo, took care of the baby.
The baby is at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building, available for families to see from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.