Georgia Is In Love With Zoo Atlanta's Newest Baby Gorilla & You Get To Name Him (VIDEO)
Zoo Atlanta expanded their gorilla family a couple of months ago, when the beloved western lowland gorilla Lulu gave birth. The infant is the 24th gorilla to be born in the zoo and animal lovers across Georgia are in love. On the 24th of September, Georgians will have a chance to name the baby gorilla as an extra special birthday present.
The naming contest is already underway and you have a chance to throw your hat (or name) in the ring. Until Sept. 20 at 11 p.m., folks from all over have a chance to choose a name for this youngster. After Sept. 20, three names will be chosen and then featured in the zoo's Ford African Rain Forest exhibit. On Sept. 24 at 2 p.m., the gorillas themselves will choose their favorite names displayed on a wall, which is pretty cool.
Sept. 24 is also a special one because its World Gorilla Day, so this infant is getting all the stops made just for him on a monumental level. It makes sense that the zoo is making this particular bday a special one. Not only is this newest addition the 24th gorilla to be born at the zoo (and getting named on the 24th), he's also the grandson of the late Willie B. and great-grandson to the oldest male gorilla, Ozzie, still kicking at the ripe age of 58.
Zoo Atlanta wanted to make this birth and the acknowledgement of the infant very public to also bring awareness to the incredible threats of poaching, illegal hunting, habitat loss and emerging diseases happening to the lowland gorillas in western Africa. Because of our home zoo, research is being done across the world to make these issues more public and for the public to grow a larger understanding of the animal's needs to sustain their future.
The zoo is constantly growing and adding new additions of the baby variety, and it's a beautiful way to stay connected with the community. If you want to name the bundle of gorilla joy, you should visit zooatlanta.org/gorillanaming and submit your name with a $5 donation. You can also stay up to date on the contest by following Zoo Atlanta's Insta and the hashtag #SilverbackStory.
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