This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

If you need a smile, check out the video of Kayembe in the video player below. (Courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is celebrating the first birthday of baby gorilla Kayembe.

To mark the occasion, the zoo invited guests to sign a birthday card and watch as the troop enjoyed “special birthday treats.”

One gorilla got into the party spirit and placed a treat on his head as a hat. The act captured in the video below drew laughs from those watching.

Also, in celebration of the occasion, the zoo has launched its first children’s book called Baby K’s Big Day.

The story is about Kayembe’s birth and highlights conservation and critically-endangered species.

Kayembe made history as the first gorilla born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in its 140-year history.

“Kayembe has captured the hearts of so many with his extraordinary birth and story,” said Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “To see how the public has connected with the gorilla troop underscores the importance of our conservation efforts and the need to protect them in the wild.”

  • “Kayembe” baby gorilla out on exhibit on August 9, 2022. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks)
  • “Baby K” gorilla on exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on May 11, 2022. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks)
  • “Baby K” gorilla on exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on May 11, 2022. (Kyle Lanzer/Cleveland Metroparks)
Courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Proceeds from the book will go towards the construction of the zoo’s new Primate Forest habitat. The habitat will be Kayeme’s new home and zoo officials say it sets a new standard for animal care and conservation.

Baby K’s Big Day can be purchased at Cleveland Metroparks Nature Shops and at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for $9.99.

The book can also be found online.