However, according to Dana Lombardo, director of communications for The Philadelphia Zoo, the sex of the newborn gorilla is still unknown, though “we should know something in the coming weeks”.
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The newborn made its public debut Wednesday.
The baby is 21-year-old Honi’s second birth and the first for Honi and father Motuba, 31, together, the zoo said.
On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Zoo debuted a baby western lowland gorilla, born on August 26.
The late Cincinnati Zoo resident has become the top suggestion as a potential namesake for Philly’s newest baby primate.
“We are very excited to welcome Honi’s new baby”, said Dr. Andy Baker, Philadelphia Zoo’s chief operating officer on the blog.
The infant now lives in PECO Primate Reserve with mom Honi, dad Motuba and other troop mate female gorilla Kira.
The Philadelphia Zoo obviously hasn’t gotten the memo that asking the internet to name things is a demonstrably awful idea, much less when the campaign revolves around a baby primate.
The Philadelphia Zoo kindly thanked the scores of Harambe-supporters on Twitter but are holding off on selecting the names until the contest begins.
“Given Honi’s experience, we’re not surprised she’s been a great mother so far, but we’re very pleased that both she and the baby appear healthy”, Baker said. Like newborn humans, the zoo notes, baby gorillas rely completely on their mothers for care.
The naming contest, presented by the PECO Primate Reserve, won’t formally kick off until sometime next month.
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Western lowland gorillas, which inhabit African forests, are listed as critically endangered species. In addition to the baby, Honi and Motuba, the gorilla exhibit includes Louis, 17; Kira, 17; and Kuchimba, a 14-year-old who is Honi’s son.
