UK Edition
Philadelphia Zoo refuses to name baby gorilla Harambe after announcing public competition
When Philadelphia announced it was opening a naming competition for its new baby western lowland gorilla, the response was predictable.
People on social media demanded they name their new arrival Harambe, after the gorilla who was shot at Cincinnati Zoo after a child fell into his enclosure and then became an internet meme.
Social media users all over the world mourn the death of Harambe daily, and wanted Philadelphia Zoo to name the infant animal in his memory.
However, the zoo confirmed to the Philadelphia Inquirer that they will not be naming the gorilla Harambe.
The zoo does not even know the gender of the gorilla yet, and they are not prepared to name the precious new arrival because of a meme.
Unlike the poll which led to 'Boaty McBoatface' being the favourite suggested name for a new polar research ship, the zoo will not let people write in name ideas.
Instead, they will offer up a list of staff-generated names.
The general public will then be able to vote for their favourite name on this list.
Amy Shearer, chief marketing officer, told the local paper the Harambe voters were "very engaged".
"I think it's an indication of people's enthusiasm", she said.
However, she also pointed out well-wishers got in touch with non-Harambe related names, in addition to the people who were making jokes about memes.
The new arrival is the first western lowland gorilla to be born at the zoo in 20 years.
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, so the birth was a momentous occasion.