2 contests will run to name baby jaguar cubs at The Living Desert
The Living Desert welcomed the addition of two male baby jaguar cubs on April 26, now zookeepers are looking for some help from the public to give them names.
Beginning September 29, you’ll have a chance to throw your selection into the mix in two different ways: an online eBay auction and a contest that will be held at the zoo.
“With two cubs we wanted to give the opportunity for our guests at the zoo to be able to vote, but also open it up for anyone across the country who wanted a chance to name one of our jaguars,” said Allen Monroe, President and CEO of The Living Desert. “It’s not often you get a chance to name an animal at a zoo.”
Guests can pay $1 per vote at the jaguar exhibit and the name with the most votes will win. The four names that visitors can choose from include:
Rico – “Rich”
Cazador – “Hunter”
Espero – “Hope”
Feroz – “Wild/Brave”
Officials said the eBay auction starts September 29 at midnight and is open to everyone. Rules for naming the cubs include the following:
Suggested names must have an association with the jaguar’s native habitat in America
No derogatory names will be accepted
The Living Desert reserves the right of final name approval
The auction winner will receive a grand prize that includes the right to name the jaguar cub, a framed photo of the cub, a private behind the scenes jaguar tour for up to four people, and more. Money raised through the auction directly supports The Living Desert’s conservation and preservation efforts, according to officials.
Both names will be announced Saturday, October 11th at the end of La Gran Fiesta, a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The jaguar cubs were born on April 26 to mother Magia and father Memo, who were brought together as part of the Species Survival Plan. They are the first ever jaguar cubs birthed at The Living Desert.
The jaguar is the third largest feline after the tiger and lion, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
Jaguar cubs receive first examination at The Living Desert