ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo announced the name of its 2-month-old chimpanzee.
The baby chimpanzee has been named Nakili, according to a social media post from the zoo on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025.
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Nakili, pronounced Nah-key-lee, means “a copy” or “to copy” in Swahili.
“This name was chosen by our zookeepers as they felt it was very fitting because Nakili is a perfect little copy of her Mother, Nyani, who is also a twin,” zoo officials said in the post.
The zoo also said Nakili will learn to imitate Nyani’s behaviors as she grows up, which is a key step that will help her thrive in the chimpanzee troop.
For Nyani, becoming a first-time mom marks a significant chapter as she learns to care for and connect with her baby.
The zoo said the baby chimpanzee is nursing well and has spent some time in the outdoor habitat with her mother.
For updates about Nyani and her baby, along with other animals at the Detroit zoo, visit here.