Officials at the Calgary Zoo say that the newest addition to the facility’s gorilla exhibit has been given a name.
Kimani, an African name which means ‘beautiful and sweet’, won out in a landslide by 38,486 votes submitted over a 12 day period.
The other names selected as favorites by the zookeepers each barely broke 4,000 ballots in the vote – Maisha had 4,236 and Tulia had 4,011.
Officials say the name is particularly fitting because it begins with a ‘K’, like her parents Kioja and Kakinga.
As for the others in the TransAlta Rainforest, keepers say that Zuri is slowly improving from her surgery to treat a serious abdominal infection.
Doctors say the infection is gone and Zuri has begun to eat solid food again. She is still in serious condition, however, and is being closely watched by the Animal Care team.
The troop is also faring well since the passing of Kakinga as a result of an age-related heart disorder, officials say.
Despite periods of stress, restlessness and a lack of appetite, keepers say they’ve also seen good days where the troop is calm and playful.
Officials say they are continuing to work with the troop to ensure they have all the care they need.
