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Meet Motema: The Detroit Zoo’s historic baby gorilla

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This photo made available by the Detroit Zoo, shows an unnamed baby gorilla is the first to be born at the Detroit Zoo, arriving Thursday, August 8, 2024 and joining a troop of four including mother Bandia and father Mshindi. (Detroit Zoo via AP)

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The first baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo in its nearly 100-year history officially has a name.

Read: Baby gorilla is born at Detroit Zoo, the first in its 96-year history

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The name was chosen through a contest in which fans could vote for their favorite name. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Detroit Zoo announced that Motema -- which translates to “heart” in the Lingala language -- has been selected as the historic baby gorilla’s name.

Voting required a $10 minimum donation per vote. 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.


About the Author
Dane Kelly headshot

Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.

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