Zoo reveals perfect name for first gorilla born in Cleveland
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced Thursday that the first gorilla born in Cleveland has been named Kayembe.
The baby gorilla was born on October 26 at the zoo. Kayembe means extraordinary.
The zoo held a 3-week naming campaign. Entries have helped support gorilla conservation through the zoo’s partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
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“Baby G” Gorilla with Freddie at the PCA Building on January 12, 2022 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks) -
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Male “Baby G” gorilla at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in the PCA Building on Feb. 2, 2022. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks) -
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“Baby G” Gorilla with Freddie at the PCA Building on January 12, 2022 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks)
The naming campaign raised nearly $15,000.
Kayembe is the first gorilla born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in 139 years.
Visitors can catch the new gorilla at the zoo’s Primate, Cat & Aquatics building with his family daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn more about the zoo and ticket information here.