COLUMBUS – Just in time for Earth Day, the staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a new addition to the zoo’s gorilla family, a female westland lowland gorilla named Jamani.
Jamani – a Swahili word that means “friend” — was born on April 15 to mother, Cassie, and first-time father, Ktembe.
The zoo’s team of animal care experts report Cassie and Jamani will likely remain behind the scenes with Ktembe and the other members of their troop for several months to ensure minimal disruptions so they can continue to bond.
“Each birth is extremely special and is important to celebrate as it offers hope for [the species’] future. This week, as we also marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we have the perfect opportunity to reflect on how each and every one of us can make a positive difference,” zoo president and CEO Tom Stalf said.
The zoo is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic and Gov. Mike DeWine has not released details on when non-essential businesses and attractions will be allowed to reopen or when he will lift a ban on gatherings larger than 10 people.
Jamani is the 33rd gorilla to be born at the Columbus Zoo, where history was made in 1956 with Colo, the first gorilla to be born in human care, and who made history again by living to the age of 60, the oldest gorilla in human care at that time. Colo died in 2017.