BALTIMORE — The Maryland Zoo has taken on a baby female chimpanzee born at the Oklahoma City Zoo on August 28.
Officials say the baby was born to a first time mother chimp, who was unable to properly care for her after giving birth.
In Baltimore a surrogate mother will be paired with the baby to care for her.
The infant hasn't yet been named, but will bring the total number of chimps at the Maryland Zoo to 15.
Since her arrival, the baby has been cared for 24/7 by staff. Normally chimp babies are held around the clock by their mother, according to the zoo.
They drink baby formula every three hours in between sleep and playtime.
Staff have set up the nursery at the zoo, so she and the rest of the chimps can see each other and become familiarized.
The baby is expected to meet her surrogate mother at approximately 4 to 6 months of age. Normally babies are dependent on their mothers for at least five years.
Zoo staff has come up with the following names for the baby. They want your input on what it will be.
· Asha -- An Indian name with multiple meanings. It means ‘hope’ in Sanskrit, ‘alive’ in Swahili and ‘happy’ in Hebrew. You can also connect this name to the ash tree, a tree of high, spiritual importance to the Norse and Celtic people.
· Nyota (pronounced Nee-oh-tah) – Swahili for star.
· Maisie -- girl's name of Scottish origin meaning "pearl".
· Tulia -- Swahili for calm and quiet.
· Olivia -- Means olive, which also stands for peace.
Click here to vote.
