Release Date: July 18,2019
Akron Zoo to hold naming contest for snow leopard cub
The Akron Zoo is holding a naming contest for its female snow leopard cub. The contest runs through Wednesday, July 31 at 5 p.m. People can vote for their favorite name at akronzoo.org/naming-contest.
The three names with the most votes will be given to the cub and her mom, Shanti, to choose the winner. The names will be painted on enrichment and the first item touched by the cub or Shanti will be the cub’s name. The name choices are Bayara, Baya, Tuya, Ravi, Gora, Bayarma and Zigsa.
The snow leopard cub was born on April 29. When the cub was three days old, she was diagnosed with a congenital eye condition called colobomas, which is relatively common in snow leopards.
The Akron Zoo vet team has been monitoring the cub daily, with plans to determine the best course of treatment once her eyes developed a little more.
“Overall, the cub is doing really well,” said Dr. Brittany Rizzo, director of animal health at the Akron Zoo. “Our plan is to determine her treatment plan in the next few weeks. Right now, it looks like it will be one of the more minor procedures, which is great!”
The snow leopard cub’s public debut will be announced at the conclusion of the naming contest. The cub’s father, Tai Lung, remains in the snow leopard habitat daily.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $13 for adults, $11 for senior citizens, $10 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $3. Discounts and coupons are not available on special events days. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.