Gulf Breeze Zoo welcomes baby gorilla

GULF BREEZE, Fla. (WALA) - In life, you can sit majestically atop your perch, staring down at the world, or shy away from the spotlight.

Whatever your case, most people can all agree on one thing: family lends us a helping hand, and is of the up-most importance in our lives.

And at few places is that more obvious than here at the Gulf Breeze Zoo.

And now, preparations are being made for the newest addition to its family.

"We're really excited. We have a brand new, five pound baby gorilla," said Zoo director Kayte Wanko.

He was born on Monday, January 23, the pride of Babooka and Rwanda. But before he can venture out with his folks, he requires around the clock care by zoo staff in a private nursery.

"We're being really, really careful with his health," Wanko said. "We want to make sure that he's completely protected and he's not being exposed to things like the flu or just the basic cold. So until our nursery is ready out in a more public area where people can help us enjoy our special new bundle of joy, he'll be kind of behind the scenes."

FOX10 News ventured out on a safari of sorts to meet (and congratulate) these new parents. The weather didn’t always cooperate, but Babooka didn't seem to mind.

"He's really outgoing. He really likes to play, he loves to play in the water," Wanko said.

Rwanda was another story.

Although these gorillas are safe, their species is critically endangered. Babies like this are raised in zoos all over to sustain the population.

"It's our hope that by having gorillas in managed care situations when conditions are right we’ll actually be able to help reintroduce them back out into the wild," Wanko said.

He's got a while before that day. For now, the zoo plans to reveal him to the public on Saturday.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo wants your help to name the baby gorilla.

Fill a form out at the zoo or submit a name to their address, 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. Gulf Breeze FL 32562. You can also put your name on their Facebook page.

They'll be taking applications until February 29, and hope to vote on a decision by March 15.

 Some of the names suggested are Zuri (beautiful), Raimi (compassion), and Yusufu (charmer). Click here to vote.