CLEVELAND — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a story published on May 21, 2021.
He has a name!
Several weeks after announcing the birth of a new baby orangutan at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, officials on Wednesday announced that the bundle of joy will go by Zaki!
Zaki, meaning pure, was chosen by guests who made a donation to orangutan conservation efforts. Halim and Rimba were also considered as name options.
"Thanks to your support, our baby #orangutan has a name! Zaki! The names were selected through generous donations that raised nearly $15,000 for orangutan conservation efforts. Thank you for securing a #FutureForWildlife," the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo tweeted Wednesday afternoon.
The orangutan was born on April 28 inside of the Zoo, and officials said in a release that Zaki is the first orangutan birth since 2014.
“We’re thrilled to announce the birth of our new male orangutan, who will serve as an important ambassador for the decreasing number of Bornean orangutans in the wild,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar said in May. “By helping to name the orangutan, we hope to inspire a closer connection and appreciation for orangutans and the critical threats the species face in the wild.”