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The Maryland Zoo announces name of baby chimpanzee

Posted at 2:47 PM, Aug 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-09 15:19:28-04

The new baby chimpanzee at the Maryland Zoo officially has a name: Lola.

The female chimpanzee was born on Friday, July 5 to 29-year-old, Bunny.

According to the zoo's website, the name is play on her mother's name. Lola is the name of the female rabbit in Looney Tunes.

People could vote for the baby's name online and it was revealed Friday morning.

“We’re so happy she officially has a name now,” said Pam Carter, Chimpanzee Forest area manager.

“Animal care staff will use individual names, especially during training sessions. The chimpanzees all recognize their own names as well as each other’s name.”

Mom and baby debuted in the Chimpanzee Forest on Friday, July 19.

Since Bunny is a first-time mother, she is paired with a smaller group of chimps for now. This arrangement allows her to focus on caring for her baby, and not have to worry about the complex social dynamics of chimp society.

“We are so excited to see Bunny flourish as a mom,” said Erin Cantwell, mammal collection and conservation manage.

“It’s great to watch an animal we care so much about experience this next step in her life. And, chimp babies are really quite adorable. We can’t wait to watch the baby grow up and achieve her own life milestones!”

There are currently 13 chimpanzees in The Maryland Zoo’s troop including the newborn.