ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The first baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in its nearly 100-year history is in need of a name.
Zoo officials said the baby born on Aug. 8 is healthy and thriving with her mother, Bandia.
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The Detroit Zoo is asking the public to help choose the name for its latest primate. Starting Monday, Aug. 26, ape fans can vote for their favorite name.
There are five finalists to choose from:
- Usala -- This name comes from the conservation corridor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also means “forest” in Kikumu language.
- Amateka -- This name means “history” in Kinyarwanda language.
- Mbere -- This name means “first” in Kinyarwanda language.
- Lobéké -- This name comes from the national park in Cameroon, which is home to the highest density of western lowland gorillas in the world.
- Motema -- This name means “heart” in Lingala language.
Voting will run through Sept. 9.
People can vote as many times as they like, but each vote requires a $10 minimum donation. All proceeds will benefit the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Gorilla Program. The SAFE program utilizes the collective efforts from zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to protect wild gorilla populations through on-the-ground protection of gorillas, research and monitoring, and targeted stakeholder engagement and education.
The name with the highest donation amount will win. You can vote here.
