The newest resident at the Henry Doorly Zoo is now on display. A baby lowland gorilla was born on January 18.The new gorilla is a male and his parents are 21-year-old Timu and 22-year-old Tambo.
The public is invited to help name the gorilla through an online contest. Visitors are required to donate $1 to gorilla conservation in order to submit a name. The naming contest kicked off at noon on Thursday and submissions will be accepted until March 2.
The gorilla’s name will be selected by the keepers that care for him and will be announced on March 15 on the Zoo’s website and social media. The person who submits the winning name will receive a Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium gift basket.
The Hubbard Gorilla Valley is currently home to eight male and three female gorillas, including the new baby. Juvenile gorillas are completely dependent on the mother for the first six months. During this time the infant will hold tightly to its mother’s hair and eventually start to venture off, but mom will stay close. They will also nurse for three to four years.