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Colorado Springs, CO (September 21, 2012) - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has selected the top three names for their newest baby gorilla, and now it's time for the community to vote for their favorite.

Over 800 names were submitted for Asha's baby boy, who was born on August 14. The top three names chosen are:

1. Ade (meaning peak, pinnacle and royal),
   
2. Dembe (meaning peace),
   
3. Kaboko (a name suggested in memory of an orphaned African gorilla at the Virunga National Park in Africa)

"The primate care team really enjoyed reviewing all of the public's submissions, and narrowing it down to our top three was difficult," said Dina Bredahl, Animal Care Manager for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. "Ultimately, we think any of the top three names will suit the baby very well."

Voting will take place via donations at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Primate World building now through October 5. The name that collects the largest number of pennies, nickels, dimes or dollars will be announced on October 7 during a baby shower in honor of the newest member of the Zoo's gorilla troop. Donations collected during voting will assist in funding a commercial-sized refrigerator for the primates' new specialized diet.

When coming to vote, the public is invited to bring their old cell phones for recycling and receive $2 off their regular-priced admission. By recycling old phones, consumers reduce the need to mine components from precious habitats for endangered wild gorillas.

Photos by: Diane Alexander