New Beginnings For Our Zoo & Our Gorilla Family

This past Tuesday not only brought news of the current Director's resignation, but it also brought news of the acquisition of a new Gorilla.  Tanya Peterson's internal goodbye letter to Staff was shared to me, and tucked in between all her usual fluffy bullshit, was the sweet morsel that a new Silverback would be arriving soon.

When I first hear about new Zoo Friends, I want to learn more about them, especially their name.  When I visited the Zoo Wednesday, I inquired, but learned it was all on the hush, until his home Zoo announced it.  Thankfully my curiosity was fed yesterday, when news out of Kentucky, was the Louisville Zoo's male Cecil was "heading West".

His arrival will be an exciting time everyone, especially Our Ladies, Bawang, Monifa, and Kimani.  Visiting Gorillas has had a sadness in the air since the loss of their Silverback Oscar Jonesy in February.  Jonesy was always upfront keeping an eye on the peoples, with his absence, the Ladies are often scarce or seemingly and understandably, still mourning.  The arrival of Cecil is sure to bring back some life to Our Troop.  

I found this photo from last fall, and chose to use it here, as media have all used the same photos, and I also love Zoo Friends with Pumpkins.  The link below it is to Louisville's video announcement, which I thought was pretty good, and shows Our Ladies as well.

https://www.facebook.com/Louisvillezoo/videos/748439790981611/

The news reports have mentioned future breeding recommendations. Both Kimani and Monifa had prior recommendations.  It is my hope that Kimani will be Cecil's first choice.  Don't get me wrong, I love Miss Mo (as I call her), but in addition to her not loving motherhood the first time around, I have felt bad for Kimani since her arrival six years ago.  The other Ladies never seemed to accept her, and she always seems to be an outcast.  I'd like to see her come into her own in this troop.

One of the things I am very happy about with this acquisition, is apparently Cecil will be retaining his name!  I immediately smiled, and even now as I write this, it's bringing tears.  The Animals identity being respected, not only means something to me, it means something period.

For those who know me, or have followed this blog, the name changing at Our Zoo has been a real issue for me.  My first experience with it was back in 2010 when Hippo Tucker arrived.  His name, like so many others that followed, in what became an epidemic, was stripped from him, and changed, not once, but twice.  Thankfully, when he left he got his identity back in Cincinnati.  

I understand the reason behind some name changes, but reasons are not always good or acceptable.  There have been changes with money attached, and flippant changes with no money or care, made by Director Peterson.  Initially, most of the changes I experienced were donor related.  Again, while I understand the reason, I think there are other ways to raise funds.  Unfortunately, Director Peterson never sought many other ways, or in the case of new acquisitions, never presented alternatives, like donor plaques.  The go to was selling off identities, which is both uncreative and disrespectful.  Often accepting inappropriate names for the check on top of it.  Unless the Animal is a newborn with no name, it's just not right.  

Coincidentally, on my way to the Zoo Wednesday morning, a thought came to mind.  It surprised me that during this recent time, when the chance of change in Director was possible, I had not thought of this.  It surprised me, because it's been a fantasy of mine for many, many years.  With Tanya Peterson on her way out, could Our Zoo Friends get back their Original Names?  

In 2019, the arrival of four new Chimpanzees and two Orangutans, brought a really disgusting component to name changing.  I'm pretty sure all but one had money attached to it.  The first Chimpanzee who arrived had his name sold.  Qadeer, which actually has a meaning, was changed to Gombus, which isn't even a word.  Searches at the time only brought up food, asking if I meant Gumbo.  The three who followed, Jamie, Twiggy, and Nick, became Beth, Connie and Michael. Allegedly renamed by Director Peterson to honor Society Members, no money attached, only the lack of Care and Respect.  There is no honor in changing the name of any Animal, especially a Great Ape.  Orangutans Ollie and Amoi, also got new names, Berani and Judy.  I think the name Judy is on the wall in the Chimpanzee Dayroom, so probably another disrespect with no money specifically attached.  Where tje name Berani, came from I can't remember.  

Of course I'd like to see every Zoo Friend who's name was not sold, regain their identity.  While completely doable, that probably won't happen.  That said, at the very least Our Great Ape Friends, Twiggy, Nick, Amoi, and hopefully Ollie, can once again publicly be known by their original names.  It would be admirable if the Zoo reached out to Qadeer's donor, and explained (my fantasy), with new management an effort is being made to reclaim Animals original names, and offer a plaque instead.  Sadly, Jamie passed away carrying a name that was not hers.

Hopefully, Our Great Apes future, sees them reclaiming their original identities, and that moving forward, future acquisitions like Cecil, will be allowed to keep their names.