What is the name of the newborn gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo?

Mboka Jo, the newborn gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, has been named Mboka Jo.

What does the name Mboka Jo mean?

The name Mboka means "community/village" in Lingala, a nod to the people who supported Gladys, the mother gorilla, during her pregnancy. The middle name Jo was added to honor Jomo, Gladys' foster father.

How old is the newborn gorilla Mboka Jo?

Mboka Jo is almost a month old as of October 16th, 2025, and is reported to be strong and alert, with Gladys being a wonderful mother.

Home / Lifestyle / Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Baby Gorilla Mboka Jo with Heartfelt Tribute

Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Baby Gorilla Mboka Jo with Heartfelt Tribute

18 Oct

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Summary

Newborn gorilla named Mboka Jo, meaning "community/village" in Lingala
Name honors those who supported mother Gladys during her pregnancy
Middle name Jo pays tribute to Gladys' foster father Jomo

Cincinnati Zoo Welcomes Baby Gorilla Mboka Jo with Heartfelt Tribute

On October 13th, 2025, the Cincinnati Zoo announced the birth of a baby gorilla on September 20th. The newborn has been named Mboka Jo, a name with deep significance.

"Mboka" means "community/village" in Lingala, one of the languages spoken in the region where western lowland gorillas live. This is a tribute to all the people who have supported the mother, Gladys, throughout her pregnancy and her previous challenges, such as a broken arm last year.

The middle name "Jo" was added by the zoo workers to honor Jomo, Gladys' foster father. This touching gesture pays homage to the important role Jomo played in Gladys' life.

Fans and attendees of the Cincinnati Zoo have celebrated the newborn's name, praising it as a beautiful and meaningful tribute. A follow-up post on October 16th showed Mboka Jo, now almost a month old, thriving under the care of his wonderful mother, Gladys.

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