DENVER -- Just in time for Mother's Day, the Denver Zoo is running a contest where we all can vote on our favorite zoo mom.

Among the contestants is Voda, the polar bear who is raising her two twin male cubs Koda and Nuka.

"Not only did she have two beautiful young, healthy cubs, she also takes great care of them -- in the cold I might add -- and she is gentle and protective," said polar bear area supervisor Steve Venne. "After giving birth to the cubs Thanksgiving morning, Voda spent several months in her den nurturing her newborns. At birth the tiny cubs weighed about a pound and have grown into healthy, active and playful cubs from their mother’s rich milk."

There's also first-time mom Tawny, the lioness, who is raising three young cubs of her own.

"Tawny is very generous and takes great care of her cubs. She is willing to sacrifice her favorite treat -- bones -- so her cubs may have them. It's very sweet," said zookeeeper Beth Carroll-Vasquez. "Tawny also keeps dad, Krueger, in line and makes sure he doesn't get grumpy with the three cubs, which have often been seen jumping on him."

And then there's JoRayK, the silverback gorilla mom.

"This experienced mom has had six babies and raised them all. At birth JoRayK tirelessly held her baby day and night. As the youngster grew she carried him or allowed him to hitch a ride on her leg. JoRayK also has helped first time father, Jim, through this new experience, always keeping an eye on Jabali and making sure he's not too much ape for this new dad to handle," said JoRayK's supervisor Bob Hamill.

You can vote for any one of the three by going to DenverZoo.org. Kids can also print out special Mother's Day cards, featuring these Zoo moms.

The winner of the Zoo's Mother of the Year will receive a special Mother's Day treat.

Additional Info:

Check out our special Mother's Day section with tips on how to show mom you care, e-cards, and great gift ideas you can create or buy.