Name The Baby Monkey At Living Desert Zoo: Here's How To Enter Your Choice

PALM DESERT, CA — A baby Patas monkey, born on May 3, needs a name and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens staff is asking zoo fans to help name her.

"She's the youngest member of our new troop of monkeys," they said in a recent announcement. "Though she’s small, she’s mighty! Her Animal Care team notes that she’s endlessly curious and quick to explore."

At the age of only 6 months old, she’s learning daily from her mom and grandmother, who are also part of her troop, they said. "You can often spot her dashing across the habitat or leaping up the rocks in playful pursuit of her elders."

What's in a name? A great deal, according to the Animal Care team members. The baby monkey's name must represent not only honoring the natural habitat of the monkey, but also the spirit of the people and the language of the area, they say.

Voting on her name starts now and will continue through November 11, according to the zoo. A minimum donation of $2 is all it takes to help select a name. You can vote as often as you want, they said.

The animal care team has carefully selected four beautiful, meaningful options inspired by the cultural and geographic roots of the patas monkey's native African range. All four are open for voting from now through Nov. 11., they said.

Choose From The Below Four Names:

Kukua (Pronounced koo-koo-AH): Meaning "to grow" in Swahili, the name "Kukua" embodies the spirit of possibility that defines the desert, a place where growth unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

Upepo (Pronounced ooo-PEH-poh): Meaning "wind" in Swahili, captures the essence of her quick, playful energy and a nod to the fact that patas monkeys are the fastest primate in the world.

Asili (Pronounced ah-SEE-lee): Meaning “nature” in Swahili, the name Asili celebrates the deep connection between all living things and the beauty of the world that surrounds us.

Maisha (Pronounced my-EE-sha): With a name meaning "life" in Swahili, the name Maisha is a joyful reminder that the desert is full of vitality and wonder.

"Cast your vote by making a donation for your favorite name," a spokesperson for the zoo said. "Every dollar raised makes a difference — you’ll support the Zoo’s world-class veterinary care, educational programs, and over 100 global conservation projects protecting desert wildlife and wild places around the world."