It's a boy! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomes new gorilla
Posted: 09.10.2012 at 4:43 PM
The latest gorilla at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo  / Courtesy: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Photo

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced Monday that its newest primate, a gorilla born Aug. 14, is a boy.

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, and his birth is only the fifth in an AZA accredited zoo this year. Zookeepers said he is already riding on mother Asha's back, a behavior not normally seen at only a few weeks old.

In keeping with tradition, the zoo will not name him until he is 30 days old and are looking for your help doing so.

“Now that we know the new gorilla troop member is a boy, we are excited to name him,” Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Animal Care Manager Dina Bredahl said in a statement. “It’s CMZ tradition to name babies after they are 30 days old, and we are looking for the communities help to find the perfect name for our newest gorilla troop member!”

Those interested in helping name the baby gorilla can submit entries in person at the zoo's "Primate World" or online by clicking here now through Sept. 20. In order to be considered, all name submissions should be respectful and meaningful. A brief description of why the name was chosen is also preferred.

The top three names will be announced on Sept. 21, and voting will begin in the zoo's primate building starting Sept. 22 through Oct. 5th.

The winner of the naming contest will be given a one year family membership to the zoo! First, second and third place entries will be given a special tour of Primate World highlighting the gorillas.

There are now seven gorillas in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's troop.

Related Links