Zahra is a western lowland gorilla born on May 27 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. She is the second offspring of her mother Calaya (20 years old) and father Baraka (31 years old). Zahra’s name, meaning “beautiful flower” in Swahili, was chosen by public vote from over 25,000 votes.
Zahra is part of a troop that includes her older brother Moke, and other members Mandara and Kibibi. She is known for her curiosity, playfulness, and growing independence. She enjoys playing, chest beating, drumming, and wrestling playfully with her brother. Zahra is learning to forage and use enrichment items, although she is still mastering some skills like using tools to get food from puzzle feeders. She often stays close to her mother but is increasingly exploring her environment and interacting with the troop.
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