Little Rock, Arkansas – The Little Rock Zoo has officially announced the name of its newest addition, a baby gorilla, in an exciting segment featured on The Today Show this Tuesday morning. The baby boy, born on March 1, was named Beni, a name chosen from a selection of four options that included Ruzizi, Kizazi, and Buzibu. The name Beni is inspired by a region in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is located along the shores of Lake Kivu.
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Zoo officials shared that the naming of Beni was a momentous occasion, and they were thrilled to introduce the little gorilla to the world. The baby’s parents, Adelina and Kivu, were recommended for breeding through the Gorilla Species Survival Plan, a program designed to help ensure the survival of gorilla species in zoos across North America. This marks a significant milestone, as Beni is the first baby born from a gorilla that was herself born at the Little Rock Zoo.
The birth of Beni was a joyous occasion for the zoo, as it highlights both the zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts and its dedication to the care and breeding of endangered species. Adelina and Kivu’s success in becoming parents is a testament to the zoo’s important role in the Gorilla Species Survival Plan, and their new baby offers hope for the future of the species.
For those eager to see Beni and visit the zoo, Little Rock Zoo officials encourage the public to check out their website, LittleRockZoo.com, for details on how to plan a visit. The zoo has also set up a gift registry for those who wish to support Beni and the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts. As Beni continues to grow, zoo visitors will have the chance to watch him develop into a strong and healthy young gorilla, further enriching the zoo’s reputation as a leader in wildlife preservation and education.
