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Zoo visitors name baby gorilla

VISITORS to Belfast Zoo have voted to name the newest addition to the gorilla family 'Baako'. The name, which means 'first born child', was given to the Western lowland gorilla - the first of such animals born at the zoo in 16 years.

Since his arrival on August 3 the zoo had asked visitors for their help to name the bouncing baby boy. Contenders included Geoffrey, Kwame, Mango, Goliath and Babatunde.

Zoo manager Mark Challis said: "We received over 600 votes and I am delighted to announce that our newest arrival will now be called Baako, which means 'first born child'."

Mr Challis said fertility tests last year had suggested that the gorilla's father Gugas would never father any young "so we are delighted with Baako's arrival but we also have high hopes that he will be the first of many more".