Woodland Park Zoo holds contest to name baby gorilla

Woodland Park Zoo is asking for local help to name the gorgeous baby gorilla who was born on November 20 to mom Nadiri and dad Vip.

Entrants must choose a female name from the African languages of Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, and submit an entry form via mail, online or in person at any of the zoo’s ballot boxes by Monday, February 29.

The winner will receive plenty of great prizes including:

• One 1-year annual Woodland Park Zoo membership for one family
• One ZooParent gorilla adoption
• One opportunity to join a gorilla staff member for a private meet and greet for up to five people at the public viewpoint of the gorilla exhibit once the baby is on view (arranged at a mutually agreeable time)
• One framed photograph of the newly-named gorilla infant

Since her birth in November, the little one has been cared for 24/7 by the zoo’s veterinary staff. “Nadiri is a first-time, inexperienced mom,” says Martin Ramirez, mammal curator at Woodland Park Zoo. “Knowing that, we planned for different outcomes while she was pregnant, including the need for human intervention.”

Although Nadiri gave birth naturally, she did not show strong maternal skills initially and the zoo immediately stepped in for the safety and welfare of the baby and to allow the new mom to rest.

Multiple times a day, the mom and baby gorilla spend time together in the same den. “During recent sessions, the two have lain just inches apart, played and eaten together. The close proximity is a good sign they’re comfortable together and getting to know each other,” says Ramirez.

The baby gorilla has remained off view in a private den where she is growing and thriving. “She’s developing normally; introductions are progressing slowly but steady,” said Ramirez. At this stage, there is no time frame for when the baby will be on exhibit.

Click here to learn more about the gorillas and to enter the naming competition.

Photos courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo.