Expectations are running high that Shabani, a male gorilla famed for his "good looks," may win the prize for most popular animal at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya.
If Shabani wins the biennial contest, which is determined by visitor vote, he will be the first gorilla to do it in 44 years, deposing the reigning champions koalas and elephants.
"I like giraffes and koalas, too, but I think the gorillas will win this year," said Mayuko Masuda, 38, a stay-at-home mom from Chikusa Ward who went to the zoo on Oct. 19 with her 3-year-old son. She had just submitted her vote at the entrance gate.