Find out our little boy’s name!

Published on 25 February 2020

A very special event will take place at the Rockhampton Zoo this Saturday as the new baby chimpanzee is named.

The chimp, born February 3, is the son of Alon and Holly and is Capri’s half-brother.

Chair of the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Parks Committee, Councillor Cherie Rutherford, said the community response to the callout for name suggestions had been overwhelming.

“When we asked people to submit names for baby Capri, we had almost 600 responses. This time we had almost 800!” Cr Rutherford said.

“Since the enclosure reopened it has been a real joy to see people bringing their own families to meet our chimp family’s newest member, and Holly and bub have been doing so well.

“Our panel now has the incredibly tough job of narrowing down the hundreds of names to a shortlist of just six names, and it really is a challenge.

“We will share those shortlisted names with you later this week, but it is our little boy’s parents who will make the final decision.

“Our zoo staff will prepare treats and put them in coloured balls. We will also have envelopes matching those colours with a name randomly placed in each. The colour that Holly chooses will reveal the name of the little bub!"

Cr Rutherford said the Zoo would also be using the occasion to raise money for the Zoo and Aquarium Association Wildlife Conservation Fund.

“There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks for sale, and the funds raised will go to help animals impacted by the recent bushfires.

“It will support not just their immediate care, but also help with rehabilitation and improvements to their natural habitats.”

The event will take place this Saturday 29 February. Food and drink will be available to purchase from 9.30am. The naming process will begin at 10am. 

The Facebook event is here.