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brookfield_zoo_s_gorilla_naming_contest_ends_on_promising_note317_xml

Brookfield Zoo's Gorilla Naming Contest Ends on Promising Note

Thu Jun 30, 6:14 PM ET
BROOKFIELD, Ill., June 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- After Binti Jua, one of  
the most recognizable western lowland gorillas gave birth to a male  
infant on May 2, Brookfield Zoo challenged the public to come up with  
a name for her baby. The zoo received more than 1,500 entries, and a  
truly great name has emerged for this great ape! The name selected is  
Bakari (pronounced buh-KAR-ee), a Swahili word for "promise" or "one  
with promise or success."

The name Bakari was submitted by a number of people, but Mary Ann  
Wolff of Bolingbrook, IL, was selected to win the naming contest with  
her entry. Wolff stated on her entry form, "Bakari is Swahili for  
'one who will succeed.' The wisdom, gentleness, and maternal guidance  
of his mother Binti Jua, is certain to influence his life. These  
traits are also symbolic of Brookfield Zoo and its strong commitment  
to safeguard and nurture the lives in its care."

As the winner, Wolff receives a free day at the zoo that includes a  
behind-the-scenes tour for her and four of her guests at Brookfield  
Zoo's Tropic World, the opportunity to assist animal keepers in  
preparing the gorillas' exhibit with browse and the animals' morning  
treats, lunch with Tropic World keepers, a Share the Care gorilla  
package, and a gorilla handprint.

In 1996, the now 17-year-old gorilla mother became world- renowned  
for picking up a child who fell into the gorilla exhibit and carrying  
him in a cradling fashion to a doorway where zoo staff could reach  
the boy.

Since Bakari's birth, he and Binti Jua have established a comfortable  
routine consisting mostly of eating and sleeping. Binti seems to  
enjoy motherhood and is very protective of her offspring. She is  
often seen lying on a tree branch resting with her son on her stomach  
or sitting on the mountain in Tropic World with Bakari sleeping low  
on her lap as she munches on some kale. When he is awake, Bakari is  
very alert and curious as well as strong. His tight grip helps him  
cling to his mother as she moves around the exhibit. Binti also likes  
to play with Bakari by holding his hands and stretching them up until  
he is in a standing position and then sitting him back down again.  
Just recently animal keepers noticed he is teething.

Guests can see Bakari and Binti Jua and the rest of the western  
lowland gorilla troop-Alpha, 44; Ramar (Bakari's father), 37; and  
Bana, 10; Nadaya (Bakari's half brother) 4; Koola (Bakari's sister)  
10; and Kamba (Koola's daughter), 8 months old- at Brookfield Zoo's  
Tropic World exhibit.

Those wanting to help Brookfield Zoo purchase items that animal  
keepers will use to care for Bakari can go to a special "baby  
registry" online at http://www.BrookfieldZoo.org/zoolink.aspx? 
Binti_Baby_Shower.

The items on the registry correspond to two Share the Care packages.  
A $30 contribution will go toward behavioral enrichment, food  
preparation items, or nutritional treats. In return, you receive a  
Basic Share the Care Package that includes a photo of Binti and  
Bakari, a personalized "Certificate of Caring," a western lowland  
gorilla fact sheet, a copy of the gorilla troop's family tree, and an  
invitation to the Share the Care Evening on August 6, 2005 (ticket  
purchase required).

To help the zoo purchase health care equipment and some of the bigger  
items, a $60 contribution can be made. In return, you receive a  
Deluxe Share the Care Package, which includes all the benefits of the  
Basic Package plus a 10-inch gorilla plush, a handprint from Ramar,  
Bakari's father, and four free tickets to the Share the Care Evening.

Brookfield Zoo's mission is to inspire conservation leadership by  
connecting people with wildlife and nature. Open every day of the  
year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the  
Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also  
accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line,  
CTA, and PACE bus service. For further information about Brookfield  
Zoo, or to purchase advance tickets to the zoo- including the Zooper  
Pass, a discounted all-inclusive ticket-go to http:// 
www.BrookfieldZoo.org.

Note: Images of Bakari and Binti Jua can be downloaded at http:// 
www.BrookfieldZoo.org/zoolink.aspx?Photo_Downloads