It's A Girl: Philadelphia Zoo Confirms Gender Of New Baby Gorilla
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Last month the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a new baby gorilla into the world.
The gorilla was born on August 26 to Honi, 22, and Motuba, a 31-year-old silverback male.
Today, zoo officials confirmed their newest addition is a girl. They say her and her mother are doing well and currently on exhibit with the rest of their troop in PECO Primate Reserve.
Now the fun begins with naming the infant and the zoo is enlisting the public's help. People can go online to vote for what they think the new gorilla should be named from a a list of chosen names honoring orphaned gorillas being cared for by the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Choices include "Amani," "Isangi," "Mapendo" and "Muyisa."
Voters are asked to donate a minimum of $1 per vote with all proceeds benefitting GRACE's conservation work. In turn the zoo will match the donations dollar for dollar up to $10,000.
People can vote now through Thursday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. by visiting www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org/vote.
Anyone who votes will also be entered to win a Zoo prize package courtesy of PECO that includes a family plus membership, a behind-the-scenes experience, $25 food voucher and $25 zoo shop gift certificate.
Whether you cast your vote or not, you may just see Honi and her new babe on your next visit to the zoo -- Dr. Andy Baker, the Zoo's Chief Operating Officer says the new mom is a "big fan" of Zoo360 and has taken her baby on the elevated trails.
