(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Following the exciting birth of a new baby Western lowland gorilla at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo), the community can now pitch in to give the little one a name!
Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, gave birth to an adorable baby boy on Monday, July 21, 2025. It had been nearly 13 years since a gorilla was born at CMZoo.
A $5 minimum donation is required to participate in the vote, and every donation supports a brand-new home for gorillas, orangutans, and more! In addition to helping make history by naming this little one, every dollar raised will fund historic improvements to great ape habitats at CMZoo.
“We’re so excited for this little guy to finally have a name,” says Ashton Asbury, Primate World animal keeper. “It’s so great that our guests have fallen head over heels for him and now get to be part of his story while also supporting a great cause.”
Participants can donate any amount starting at $5 until Thursday, Oct. 9. The name that receives the most combined donations will win! Fans can make their donations and vote at cmzoo.org/babyname.
Primate World gorilla keepers have chosen three names for guests to pick from:
- Ryder — a nod to this baby’s particular skill at riding on his mom’s back from a younger-than-normal age
- Sully — in honor of a bright-and-furry character with a heart of gold
- Abu — because he’s skilled and loyal, just like a furry friend from the fictional city of Agrabah
A generous donor has agreed to match all donations up to $25,000, so every dollar can make twice the impact.
“We’re so excited for our community to get involved in naming this adorable baby and in helping provide a new home for his whole family,“ said Kelley Parker, senior director of development and marketing at CMZoo. “Every dollar donated will not only be matched dollar-for-dollar, it will also go directly toward our fundraising efforts for a spectacular new primate habitat. We love that our entire community — here in Colorado Springs and around the world — can be part of creating something incredible.”
The chosen name will be announced on Oct. 15 at the voting website, via email to members, and on the zoo’s social media channels.
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