Philadelphia Zoo enlists social media to name newborn gorilla

PHILADELPHIA — A gorilla was born at the Philadelphia Zoo last week, and officials have decided they want the internet to help choose a name.

The western lowland gorilla was born on Friday, just three months after the notable death of the 17-year-old gorilla Harambe.

In May, a child wandered from his parents and fell into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. Harambe, one of the zoo’s silverback gorillas, moved toward the child, eventually grabbing his foot and dragging him across the enclosure. Zoo officials, saying they had no other choice, made the decision to shoot the gorilla, rather than risk the child’s life.

According to WGN, Philadelphia Zoo official clarified on social media that names will be pre-selected following numerous suggestions that the newborn be named Harambe.

In the official announcement, the zoo indicates that names will be selected by staff members and the public will vote on their favorite:

"In the coming weeks the Zoo will enlist the help of visitors and social media followers to name the newborn using names provided by Zoo staff. The public is encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite baby name, once they vote their information will be entered to win a Zoo prize package courtesy of PECO that includes a family plus membership, a behind the scenes experience, 6abc Zoo Balloon ride for 4, $25 food voucher and $25 zoo shop gift certificate."

Cox Media Group