Cleveland Metroparks Asks for Public’s Help in Naming Zoo’s First Baby Gorilla

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and CrossCountry Mortgage are inviting the public to help choose a name for the first gorilla born at the zoo in its 139-year history. The naming opportunity not only will help the male gorilla, born October 26, settle into his home at the zoo but also supports conservation of the critically endangered species in the wild.
Participants can cast votes online by making a financial contribution for any of three names at FutureForWildlife.org/gorillanaming or by voting in person at the gorilla habitat at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The three name finalists include:
Bakari, “One who will succeed”
Jabari, “Fearless or brave one”
Kayembe, “Extraordinary”
“Gorillas are an incredible species and the birth of the first gorilla here in Cleveland has been another reminder of why we need to protect them from extinction,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “Every vote to help name our gorilla will have a direct impact, protecting this iconic and critically endangered species in the wild.”
An exclusive video series created in partnership with CrossCountry Mortgage continues to follow the baby’s growth and development.
“Cleveland is this baby gorilla’s hometown, and what better way to deepen the public’s connection than helping us select his name,” said Laura Soave, Chief Brand Officer, CrossCountry Mortgage. “We look forward to engaging the public in this opportunity and others moving forward that continue to position Cleveland, its remarkable park system and the world-class zoo as must-see destinations for decades to come.”
The gorilla’s birth in late October was estimated to be a month premature and his mother, Nneka, did not immediately show appropriate maternal care that is required for newborn gorillas. However, the troop’s eldest female, Fredrika or “Freddy,” quickly picked him up and has been serving as his surrogate mother ever since. In November he developed pneumonia, requiring zoo experts to step in and provide hands-on 24/7 care but this month he was successfully reunited with Freddy and the troop following his recovery.
Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by The World Conservation Union (IUCN). Each donation to help name the baby will help conserve gorillas in the wild through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s longtime partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Dr. Kristen Lukas, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Director of Conservation & Science, serves as vice chair of the Fossey Fund board and also works abroad alongside the Fossey Fund to help train Rwandan scientists studying at Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Guests visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can visit the baby and gorilla troop at the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

[@debbieharrison8424]

Such a handsome little one. Baby gorillas are one of the cutest baby’s. Hope he has a long and healthy life!

[@ramona5909]

Kayembe ist ein süßer Schatz! Mama Freddy, die gute Seele, macht das so schön mit dem Kleinen. Sie ist immer aufmerksam und passt auf den Süßen auf. Man bekommt einfach nicht genug von den süßen Gorilla-Babys. 🥰🥰🥰❤

[@Simplythetruthfulone]

Who else's heart just melted into a large puddle?🥰 This is the cutest, most beautiful baby I've ever seen, and you could never tell that he is with his adoptive Mother because she is beyond loving and attentive to all his needs🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 My whole day just got better looking at all this preciousness 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@ZooBorns]

🥰

[@rosiepena8917]

I think baby gorillas are cuter than human babies LOL

[@Liz_678]

Jabari! What a sweetheart 🥰 what a great momma. She was busy eating but felt him falling and grabbed him just in time❤️

[@ZooBorns]

♥️

[@GGdmk]

That little guy is already so observant of life going on around him. And he appeared to be smiling toward the end of the video. Precious in so many ways!

[@yvonnejones9940]

Loving his baby gorilla 'do'!!!!! Cuteness overload. I vote Bakari. 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@sonyawilson1000]

Bakari = one who will succeed 👍. He is SO very cute! 💙 Adoptive mom Fredrika (Freddy) is doing an excellent job. First time mom Nneka is still learning how to care for her newborn. Dad Mokolo is one handsome silverback! 😍.

[@erynporter9951]

Little Baby G has the Best hairdo!!! ❤️ He looks like Ms. Freddie/Momma styled it just for his walkabout 😉! Such a sweetie!

[@ZooBorns]

💈

[@madeinjapan6888]

How is baby boy Alexander the Great doing? So much personality shining through his eyes. Alexander gives such intent eye contact With everyone showing love and smartness! He is indeed a star and a great example! Thanks crew for your outstanding care for our lil Alexander.

[@ZooBorns]

👏

[@amykins9870]

What a good momma and a bright eyed boy!!

[@ZooBorns]

👁👁

[@Sirianstar10]

I donated today from FL for "Jabari!" I hope that name wins!!!

[@ritahughes7639]

This little baby is so cute, and I just love his hair, I love the name kayembe.

[@kennabaskerville6237]

Kayembe....What a precious little thing....mama is so loving. ♥️

[@ZooBorns]

🦍🦍🦍🦍

[@normacotter3377]

Look how intelligent and beautiful this baby is he has such wonderful eyes and I think you should name him Bright Eyes mama is a very beautiful mother and a good Mama

[@rosiepena8917]

OMG I love his bed head hair! I love the name they chose, Kayembe is going to grow up to be a big strong Silverback gorilla. I can already see it, he has a healthy strong body for a baby gorilla. ❤❤❤

[@hyesunstuart1320]

Sooooooooo cute baby gorilla! Love you! Hope you to grow big and stronger.

[@ZombieQueen819]

Hugo !!!! Because one day he’ll be a big silver back… handsome big guy

[@robbymccall6444]

The baby has a good hair stylist. Cool little baby gorilla

[@ZooBorns]

👶

[@denisemorris1177]

I know this is from 2yrs ago but the right name was chosen because he is extraordinary ❤❤

[@sharonneibert1629]

I love the name Bakari for this cute little boy

[@EllaEllea]

Hello little Kayembe ❤️

[@madeinjapan6888]

His name is Alexander the Great! He is awesome and has fought many battles! His name will be memorable! It was a great day when he was born.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

Proud to have this little boy as a new relative!

[@ZooBorns]

❤️

[@tejana971]

So precious 💖

[@melaniemiller3351]

I like Kayembe

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@melaniemiller3351]

He is so cute!! That hair lol.

[@ZooBorns]

👶

[@skeeterwright5672]

Call him Rough!

[@julieherring7749]

I don’t know how old this video is but I like jabali for its name .

[@roxeycampbell7967]

pebbles is a good personality name

[@jlv1254]

Name him Cleaveland!

[@GoldNava]

Bakari!

[@edilarteaga8215]

Silverado

[@coloradocowgirl8588]

Super cute 🥰 I vote for Bakari

[@luisalourenco9172]

You can call her or him '"Jewell'" or '''Jet"' 😍💞

[@celiasouzaferreira2193]

Muito fofo bb gurila

[@kenrick7289]

I am all in for the TARZAN

[@dominiquebourseau8322]

kayembe : car il l'est !

[@karenlubben5651]

My vote is Tabitha

[@luv_a_nurse8960]

I can watch animal videos all day.

[@ZooBorns]

You've come to the right place!

[@amc67679]

Que bonitinho

[@claudetowery6227]

Guardiano is the perfect name.

[@Aldaloureiroh]

filme fabuloso!!

[@ZooBorns]

Agreed!

[@exquizzttly6707]

Kayembe is a beautiful name

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@corneliasanz359]

How about Cleveland

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@krissbailey9593]

We vote. Kembree

[@earlflanary8394]

Link

[@ZooBorns]

⁇

[@gritskennedy5007]

JUMAANE....BORN ON A TUESDAY!

[@ninamheck8264]

Jasper he looks like a Jasper

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@PushingGG]

I vote for Harambe

[@suejohnlaptop]

Gilbert 😮

[@sensei9295]

Big Mike

[@robingammill8525]

Uno! Since he is their first.

[@ZooBorns]

☝️

[@sheilaradcliff1185]

Baby Diego

[@lisawilliams4004]

Boogie-woogie

[@ZooBorns]

🕺

[@madeinjapan6888]

His name should be Alexander the Great! He has overcome sooo many obstacles!

[@ZooBorns]

💪

[@kanokratuthairangsee1934]

Nice hair. I love you...

[@ZooBorns]

👶

[@jimcalderon2356]

Zooky or sooki

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@kellyhoy3902]

Pricilla

[@ellenkincaid8434]

I think that you should name is Moni

[@ZooBorns]

👍

[@luisalourenco9172]

Is it a boy or a girl?

[@ZooBorns]

Baby is male!

[@nancyfrazer5933]

Kenji pronounced Ken-gee

[@dannydanny261]

Gnocchi! Little potato morsel.