Bristol Zoo's Gorilla Island has a new (adorable!) occupant striding its shores. Little Kukena ventured out with mom Salome over the weekend and took his first steps in the big, big world. A 7-month-old Western Lowland gorilla, Kukena is part of an international conservation breeding program for this critically endangered species.
Peek-a-boo baby looks out from his mama's arms. To celebrate Kijivu's new addition — and upcoming Mother's Day —, find five fascinating facts about Western Lowland Gorillas!
Don't tell Hasani, but a new gorilla has stolen my heart, 'cause look at that expression. I like to imagine the lil one's singing or perhaps doing the simian slogan for "say cheese" — you know, "say bananas."
Born on Jan. 5 to mama N'Yaounda at the Budapest Zoo, the keepers don't yet know if the tiny babe — just over three pounds — is a boy or a girl. Any bets?
See more pictures of the bundle of cuteness when you read more
It's a touch redundant to call Hasani handsome, since that's what his name means, but the fella is surely cute enough to deserve a doubly sweet name! The gorilla born one year ago today gets a special celebration at the San Francisco Zoo — follow his story with this slideshow!
Source: San Francisco Zoo/ May Woon
This baby gorilla lives up to his name's meaning for sure – I can't get enough of Mr. "Handsome!" He's nearly four months old and can now make his way around the exhibit, giving keepers his winning gaze and grin. Since it's not yet time for Hasani to come on public display (but count me there!), this zoo offers a Nursery Cam on site from 12 to 2 p.m. daily if you live in SF.
Since he's been seen around the world in that naming contest, if you want to give him a treat, check out Oscar Jonesy and Monifa's online gift registry. They've got plenty of requests (big and small) and for each $25+ donation, you'll get an electronic photo and footprint of the little love to tide you over 'til you can see the real thing.
See more piccys of baby Hasani when you read more
Look at that expression – almost cute enough for a caption contest, I'd say. Meet Hasani, the newly named baby gorilla at the San Francisco Zoo. This lil one made the news when the establishment opened a worldwide naming contest for the (now) 3-month-old babe. 
His name was chosen by the gorilla's dad, Oscar Jonsey, in a pretty neat way: the 27-year-old animal was offered five color-coded cantaloupes, representing the five name finalists and he picked the green one for this suggestion coming from Amanda VerPloeg of Oskaloosa, IA.
Check out the cutie, and his dad's decision making process, in the pictures when you read more
Great job captioning this silly photo! You made it quotable with these clever ideas:
Wow! He could have had a V-8! – fuzzles
"What? The sign DID say ALL you can eat!"– mejumojo
Storing up for Winter . . . it's not just for chipmunks and squirrels! – Aphrosette
Finders keepers . . . right?– kourt
Check out the rest of your suggestions here.
It’s time to get clever! A picture is worth a thousand words but those messages vary from person to person. I think this gorilla looks pretty greedy, but what do you think of him? Suggest quotes or captions for this photo in your comments below, and I’ll do a roundup next week of some of my faves.
