A Promising Name!
After one of the world’s most recognizable primates gave birth in May, Brookfield Zoo challenged the people of Chicagoland to come up with a name for Binti’s baby. After sifting through the over 1500 names that were submitted, a truly great name has emerged for this great ape! Announced live on CBS2-TV, the name is...
Bakari
The name comes from the Swahili word for “promise” or “one with promise or success.” Bakari was submitted by a number of people, but Mary Ann Wolff from Bolingbrook, IL was selected to win the naming contest with her entry (though others who entered the name will receive prizes):
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 their strong commitment to safeguard and nurture the lives in their care.
Now that the excitement of the new birth is past, Binti Jua and her son have established a comfortable routine consisting mostly of eating and sleeping. Binti seems to enjoy being a mom. She is often seen lying on her tree branch resting with her son on her stomach or sitting on the mountain in Tropic World/Africa with her son sleeping low on her lap as she munches on some lettuce. When the baby is awake, Binti 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. Perhaps this is some sort of gorilla baby exercise!
Bakari makes being a mom easy---he does not seem to fuss or cry much, and seems very content. He is quite the hearty eater, often pulling and tugging at Binti’s breasts in order to get the last drop of milk out before going to the other one. He is also strong, with a tight grip that helps him cling to his mother as she moves around the exhibit. Bakari is very alert and curious. His big brown eyes never leave his mother and the gorillas interacting with her closely. All members of the group have seen and touched the new baby, even 9-month-old Kamba who will one day be the new infant’s playmate.
Four-year-old Nadaya clearly wishes to play with Bakari now too, but Binti remains very protective. When Nadaya tries to play with the infant she picks up her son in her arms and carries him like a football as she quickly moves away. She usually ends up in the silverback male’s favorite corner of the exhibit ---knowing that Ramar will keep her and her infant son safe, Binti will make a small nest of hay and go back to sleep. In those calm minutes, it is clear that Bakari’s birth has already been a success!
Furry Films
Binti and Bakari keep pretty busy on exhibit---mostly interacting, eating, and playing:
Binti lounges with her son, then raises him for all to see!
Bakari keeps busy watching the everything that goes on around him and playing with his mom.
(Both clips are Large Windows Media file---broadband connection required.) If you do not have Windows Media or Quicktime you can download them here by clicking on the tile below:
