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  • From: Josh Greenman <joshg1973 AT yahoo.com>
  • To: monkeywire AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [monkeywire] Brookfield Zoo's Gorilla Naming Contest Ends on Promising Note
  • Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 00:28:18 -0400

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usnw/20050630/pl_usnw/ 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



  • [monkeywire] Brookfield Zoo's Gorilla Naming Contest Ends on Promising Note, Josh Greenman, 07/01/2005

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