Minister for Environment, Lisa Neville, officially introduced Kanzi today, the latest addition to Melbourne Zoo’s Western Lowland Gorilla troop.
Victorians had the opportunity to choose the baby gorilla’s name and Kanzi was the overwhelming favourite receiving over 30 percent of the vote. The name means ‘a treasure’ in Swahili.
The birth of Kanzi is the seventh baby gorilla born at Melbourne Zoo and the first in almost 15 years.
The birth represents an important milestone for the Western Lowland Gorilla international endangered species breeding program, with Kimya and Otana being paired together after being born on opposite sides of the world.
Otana arrived from Howlett’s Wild Animal Park in Kent, England in September 2013, and Kimya arrived at Melbourne Zoo a month later from Taronga Zoo.
Minister Neville praised the hard work and dedication of Melbourne Zoo’s keepers for their work ensuring that Kimya, Otana, Kanzi and the rest of the gorilla troop receive the very best of care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment, Lisa Neville
“She is an adorable addition to Melbourne Zoo’s Gorilla family and I think her name fits her perfectly.”
“In further great news, since Kanzi was born Victorians have donated almost 1,000 mobile phones to help save gorillas in the wild. Each mobile phone donated is recycled and helps fund conservation efforts in the wild.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020