photo by angela n.
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“On May 27, 2023, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute welcomed its newest member to the western lowland gorilla troop! The baby girl was born at the Great Ape House to mom Calaya, age 20, and dad Baraka, age 31.
This new baby—the second for both parents—joins the Zoo’s troop of gorillas:
silverback leader Baraka, mother Calaya, and their 5-year-old son Moke, as well as a 41-year-old female named Mandara and her 14-year-old daughter, Kibibi. Animal care staff have observed Calaya’s excellent parenting skills as she cradles and nurses the infant, who appears healthy and strong.
photo by angela n.
Want to help the Zoo name the baby? Starting on Monday, June 5, members of the public can vote for their favorite name! The poll will close on Friday, June 9 at 12 p.m. EDT.
Native to Africa, western lowland gorillas live in the forests of Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. These gorillas are considered critically endangered, and primary threats to their survival include disease, poaching, and habitat destruction due to farming and mining activities in their habitat. The Smithsonian works with organizations around the globe to ensure the survival of species like the western lowland gorilla, and the birth of this new baby marks a small victory in the fight for this species’ future. Members of the public can help protect western lowland gorillas’ natural habitat by making environmentally conscious decisions like recycling electronics.
Learn about each name:
Lola (LOH-lah) | Yoruba for “greatness”
Mkali (M-KAH-lee) | Swahili for “fierce”
Zahra (ZAH-rah) | Swahili for “beautiful flower”
Vote Now!”
Recent Stories
Thanks to Cathy for sending: “rock creek parkway heading north 5:21pm. Just north of Georgwtown and below P St.”
From an email: “Nationals Park will be hosting Tacos & Tequila on Saturday, May 18th, from 4-7 p.m!
Thanks to Terry for sending this beauty. Sweet City Ride is made possible by readers like you!
Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, Delayed but why not – Drew in the 76ers shirt
We’re about a month out from summer. That means you’ve still got time for spring cleaning!
Lexi Grant, an operations manager at Well-Paid Maids, shared her go-to spring cleaning tips with WTOP News. Step one? Declutter. Get rid of items you don’t use, find space for items that need a home and organize those areas.
Then, it’s time to dust. Lexi starts with high-touch surface areas (think: refrigerator, dishwasher, counters, microwave). One area she sees often neglected is the bedroom — and it makes sense. Heavy furniture is difficult to move around, but it’s important to really get in there so dust doesn’t affect your sleep.
In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Passing of Giacomo Puccini
The Washington Opera Society Presents
Giacomo Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West”
Featuring: Jonathan Burton, Michael Butler, Kristin Sampson, Kevin Short, with Adam Cioffari, Andrew Boivert, Peter Burroughs, Collin Power, Josh Bates, Carl Rosenthal, Jude Regan, Jose Sacin, Solomon Collins, Anamer Castrello, Noah Mond, and Maestro Julian Benichou conducting the Chorus & Orchestra of the Washington Opera Society.
AAPI Market and Beer Tasting at metrobar
Join metrobar, SAMASAMA Art, and Kam and 46 on Sunday, May 19th, for the annual “Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market” including a new addition with the team at DC Beer, “Cheers & Beers: AAPI Brewers of the DMV“!
The market is free
Dance Like a Mother, a Benefit for First Shift Justice…
Join First Shift Justice Project at “Dance Like a Mother,” a fun house music party benefiting DC-area low-wage working parents & caregivers fighting workplace discrimination. First Shift helps working parents assert their workplace rights to prevent job loss. The money
