Her Name Is Zahra

Following Public Vote, the Western Lowland Gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Receives Her Name

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s (NZCBI) 2-week-old western lowland gorilla received her name today. After five days of voting and just over 25,000 votes, the winning name is Zahra [ZAH-rah], which means “beautiful flower” in Swahili. It was one of three names that were offered for a public online vote from June 5 to June 9 on the Zoo’s website. Zahra received 12,071 votes—50% of the total votes. Lola [LOH-la], Yoruba for “greatness,” came in second with 7,894 votes, or 30% of the total. In third place was Mkali [M-KAH-lee], Swahili for “fierce,” which received 5,563 votes, or 20% of the total.

The Public Can Help Name a Baby Western Lowland Gorilla at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Starting today, June 5, western lowland gorilla fans will have an opportunity to vote on a name for a baby gorilla born May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). Every western lowland gorilla birth is cause for celebration as this species is considered critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature. This morning, primate keepers threw a party for the gorilla troop, and festive enrichment revealed that the newborn is female. Voters can select their favorite names today through noon Friday, June 9, on the Zoo’s website. The winning name will be announced June 9.

Western Lowland Gorilla Born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

For the first time in five years, primate staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) are celebrating the birth of a western lowland gorilla—a critically endangered species. It was born between midnight and 6:15 a.m. on May 27 to 20-year-old mother Calaya and 31-year-old father Baraka. They bred in September 2022 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is the second offspring for both parents.

IT’S A BOY! MEET WILLIE B., III

ATLANTA – May 9, 2023 – It’s a boy! The infant gorilla at Zoo Atlanta has been confirmed to be male, and has been named Willie B., III. The name follows the tradition of his father, Willie B., Jr., and his legendary grandfather, the late Willie B.

We Need To Talk About Bruno!

We’re catching up with Bruno, the now just over 2.5-month-old Gorilla Infant born at Fort Worth Zoo in November.

Baby Bruno is standing (with help from Mom)! Infant gorillas grow and develop much faster than human babies do, so although Bruno is only about 2.5 months old, he’s right on time! You’ll notice him squirming around a lot more these days, reaching out or crawling on his mom when she’s trying to nap.

A gorilla infant can control its head and neck movements shortly after birth and will be able to crawl at about 3 months old. 

Happy Birthday Kibibi!

Happy birthday, Kibibi! Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s "little lady" celebrated her 14th birthday yesterday, January 10^th, 2023. We’re turning back the clock with some archival footage highlights from herpast. First to 2009, the year of Kibibi’s birth. Then 2011, when 2-year-old- Kibibi received her first medical exam. And finally to 2020, when the staff dropped in on Kibibi’s husbandry training.

Look how far she’s come!

We can help western lowland gorillas like Kibibi by recycling. One of the metals inside electronic devices—tantalum—is mined from areas where gorillas live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We can protect their home—and reduce the need for more expansive coltan mining—by recycling our old electronics. Every small action has the potential to make a huge difference!

Video credit: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Fort Worth Zoo Announces Birth Of Western Lowland Gorilla Baby

The newest primate’s arrival is only the second gorilla born in Zoo history 

FORT WORTH, Texas – The Fort Worth Zoo proudly announces the Zoo’s second-ever birth of a western lowland gorilla. The male primate was born early Sunday morning, Nov. 6, to parents Gracie and Elmo.  

Second Birthday of Ekan, The First Gorilla Born In Andalusia

Two years ago, one of the most important milestones in the history of Bioparc Fuengirola and for the ex situ conservation of one of the most endangered primates on the planet took place: the birth of Ekan, the first western lowland gorilla born in Andalusia.

Now visitors can see how much this little one has grown and how his relationship with the rest of the members of the group of this species housed at Bioparc Fuengirola has evolved.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Invites Guests to Celebrate Baby Gorilla Kayembe’s 1st Birthday

Zoo announces first children’s book to commemorate the occasion

On Wednesday, October 26, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is celebrating baby gorilla, Kayembe’s, 1st birthday. Kayembe made history as the first gorilla born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in its 140 years.

Eyare at 6 Months!

Can you believe it? Calgary Zoo’s #YYCGorillaBaby, 'Eyare', is 6 months old today! 🦍 Her curiosity continues to bloom and she is becoming more independent each day. Today, we’re sharing a recent milestone moment for Calgary Zoo’s troop – ‘Eyare’ playing with ‘Yewande’ on her own for the first time!

Western lowland gorillas are a social species. Each troop member has a distinct and dynamic personality, and their interactions can help to shape relationships and form bonds over time. Yewande has been very interested in Eyare since she was born but the troop takes their cues from gorilla mom, ‘Dossi’ as to what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to Eyare. 😉