Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is asking the public to vote on the names of its newest snow leopard cubs.
Zoo officials say they received submissions from 563 people for the names of the first snow leopards born in the zoo in 14 years.
The zoo has narrowed its list to five entries.
People will be able to vote on their favorites both on the
zoo’s website or on its
Facebook page. The deadline for voting is 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The entries are listed below. The contest winner will receive a snow leopard Adopt an Animal package valued at $100.
Rambu (ROM-boo) & Dongari (DUN-gar-ee)
Submitted by Ann Bauer, 22, of Akron, Ohio & Julie Overacker, 49, of Central Square. Rambu means “strong” in Sherpa, the language of the people who inhabit the Nepalese Himalayan mountains. Dongari is a mountain pass in Nepal.
Sabu (SAH-boo) & Raj (r ah j)
Submitted by Maria Padalino, 5, of Liverpool. Sabu is Tibetan for “snow leopard.” I also like the name Sabu because it ends with “boo” and my zoo has the best Zoo Boo! Raj is Indian for “king” or “rule.” I think the snow leopard is going to grow up and be big, just like a king.
Viktor (VIK-tor) & Tikhon (TEE-con)
Submitted by Holly Enlow, 23, of Lexington, Ky. & Deborah Noble, 20, of Tully. Viktor is a name of Russian origin, meaning "one who conquers". In order for snow leopards to survive in the harsh conditions in which they are found, they must "conquer" their environment. Tikhon is another Russian name, meaning "lucky". These cubs are incredibly lucky to have been born into such a good environment where they will be cared for and protected.
Taji (TAH-jee) & Kaza (KAH-zuh)
Submitted by Jennifer Noble, 29, of Syracuse. Snow leopards are found in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Both brothers would be named after their countries of origin!
Bajen (BAH-zhən) & Ramil (RAH-meel)
Submitted by Julianna Buchmann, 10, of Weedsport and Karen Dunford, 40, of Nedrow.
Bajen is a Russian boy's name that means "long waited". Since it has been 14 years since a baby snow leopard has been born at the zoo, I think this beautiful snow leopard is indeed "long waited". Ramil is a name used in Uzbekistan and it is a nice name for a snow leopard.
