Mboka Jo the Gorilla in Pictures

Mboka Jo is a baby gorilla born at the Cincinnati Zoo on September 20, 2025. He is the first offspring of Gladys, a Western lowland gorilla, and the first gorilla born at the zoo in a decade. Gladys had overcome significant challenges, including a broken arm in 2024, and received support from the zoo community throughout her recovery and pregnancy. The name “Mboka Jo” was chosen to reflect this community support. “Mboka” means “community” or “village” in Lingala, a language spoken in the region where Western lowland gorillas live, while “Jo” honors Gladys’ foster father, Jomo, a silverback gorilla. Gladys is noted to be a natural and caring mother, with Mboka Jo being strong, alert, and thriving at almost one month old.