Karen Pulfer Focht
A red panda cub was born at the Memphis Zoo on June 3rd. He’s currently being reared on-site in the red panda night house, but the zoo hasn’t yet given him a name.
On Friday at noon, the Memphis Zoo launched a naming contest. They’re calling on the public to submit names on the Memphis Zoo Facebook page between August 28th and September 8th. And then, between September 10th and 18th, the public will vote on their favorite name. The winning name will be revealed on September 19th, which also happens to be International Red Panda Day.
The baby was born to parents Justin and Lucille, and Director of Animal Programs Matt Thompson said Lucille has been a great mother so far.
“Lucille is turning out to be quite an excellent the mother. Especially for a first-time mother, Lucille’s instincts have been impeccable,” Thompson said.
“Red pandas are a lessor-known and endangered species, so we wanted to hold this naming contest to help bring awareness about these cute little guys,” said Laura Doty, marketing and communications manager for the Memphis Zoo. “It’s also a fun way to name animals, and we hope to get children and adults of all ages involved. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone to forever be a part of the Memphis Zoo’s history.”
