Woodland Park Zoo is holding a contest to name the eight members of its new meerkat mob.
Photo by Ryan Hawk, Woodland Park Zoo
The zoo has selected 16 names which reflect the meerkats? native southern African habitat. Voting is open from today through June 15. The eight highest vote getters will become the new names for the four male and four female meerkats.
- Kalahari (African desert)
- Kgala (?great thirst? in Tswana)
- Acacia (African tree)
- Kiwano (Kalahari fruit)
- Nossob (southern African river)
- Baobob (African plains tree)
- Aranos (Namibian town)
- Molopo (southern African river)
- Gochas (Namibian settlement)
- Ghanzi (town in Botswana)
- Zimba (Zambian town)
- Erongo (Namibian mountain)
- Dinawa (?beans? in Tswana)
- Nata (southern African river)
- Kuruman (southern African river)
- Ngami (lake in Botswana)
The poll is open to all ages, but if you?re under 18 you?ll need parental/guardian approval. Ballots are available at participating U.S. Bank locations across the Puget Sound region, in June 1-15 issues of The Seattle Times, on zoo grounds during business hours, and for download on the zoo?s website.
For complete rules, a list of participating U.S. Bank locations or to download a ballot, visit www.zoo.org/meerkats.
Voters will be entered to win a grand prize or one of two runner up prizes: 1.) Grand prize (one winner): A 3-day, 2-night trip for four (4) to San Diego including airfare, hotel accommodations at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, and tickets to local attractions including San Diego Zoo and Sea World; 2.) Runners up (two winners): $75 Woodland Park Zoo gift card and ZooParent meerkat adoption. The three winners will be drawn at random from all eligible entries.
The eight most voted meerkat names and the three prize winners will be announced on July 1 at Red, White & Zoo when meerkats will enjoy a special watermelon treat as part of our annual Independence Day-themed enrichment event.