We have a baby – and it needs a name! The Virginia Zoo is offering the opportunity to name its new siamang infant who was born June 26, 2022. Born to mom, Malana, and dad, Bali, the six-week-old is bonding well with mom, is reaching out with its hands, and figuring out what its hands and fingers are! The neo-natal exam has not yet been performed as mom and baby haven’t been separated in the interest of their natural bonding process. So, the Zoo is requesting gender-neutral names! Need inspiration? Visitors can see the family from the Siamang’s Dayroom exhibit along the Asia -Trail of the Tiger.

“A siamang birth is an important addition to this critically endangered lesser ape,” says Zoo Executive Director Greg Bockheim, “and watching a baby grow and engage with its family is special for all of us.”

The naming auction begins Monday, August 8, 2022, and ends at 5 pm on Friday, August 19, 2022. The infant’s name must be provided by Friday, August 26, 2022.

Place your bid here!

Please note: Due to medical documents and record keeping, duplicate names at the Zoo are prevented at all measures. Names must not contain any racial, religious, or ethnic slurs, explicit language, obscene content, reference to alcohol, drugs, or other illicit substances, or otherwise unlawful, inappropriate, objectionable, or offensive content. Names may change if or when an animal is relocated to another institution. All names are subject to approval by the Virginia Zoo.