Ajabu, whose name means “miracle” in Swahili, is a western lowland gorilla who became a global symbol of hope and love. Born at the Philadelphia Zoo under extremely difficult circumstances, his arrival was nothing short of miraculous. His mother, Kira, went through a complicated labor that required careful medical attention from both human doctors and veterinarians — a rare collaboration that saved both lives.
To celebrate his safe birth, the zoo let Kira choose his name. Three boxes filled with treats were placed before her, each labeled with a different name. Without hesitation, she chose the one marked “Ajabu”, perfectly capturing his story — a miracle baby.
From that moment, Ajabu captured the hearts of everyone who met him. Visitors were enchanted by his playful spirit and his close bond with Kira. His story spread far beyond Philadelphia, reminding people worldwide of the fragile beauty of endangered species.
After six happy years, Ajabu moved to a new troop to begin the next chapter of his life. His journey represents more than survival — it’s a story of resilience, compassion, and the incredible connection between humans and the animal world.
Ajabu truly is, and always will be, our miracle gorilla.
