Naming Competition Launched at Hamilton Zoo

The birth of not one, not two but three rare Nepalese pandas thrilled keepers at Hamilton Zoo at the end of last year.

The three boys are doing great and after a few months resting in their nests, they are now venturing out and exploring their enclosure.

And now it is time to give them some names!

Hamilton Zoo has launched a naming competition for the three cubs and there are great prizes to give away.

For Zoo Curator Sam Kudeweh, seeing the cubs develop so well over the past few months has been fantastic.

“Red panda cubs are slow to develop so the first months are really crucial. We have been closely monitoring them and all three cubs are doing great. Their personalities are clearly shining through and it’s definitely time to name them!

One of the boys has a white back foot, and is quite a feisty character, one likes to start play sessions with his brothers, and the third leads the way on exploring sessions.”

The birth of the triplets has doubled the number of red pandas at the zoo, taking the total to six – mother Tayla, father Chito and big brother Ketu who was born at the zoo in 2011.

The naming competition is open right through the school holidays and closes at 5pm, Sunday 5 May.

The winning entries in the naming competition will receive a red panda prize pack which includes an annual zoo pass, a cuddly soft toy panda and a personalised certificate.

To enter:
• Email competition@hamiltonzoo.co.nz
• Visit the Hamilton NZ Facebook page
• Drop off your entry at Hamilton Zoo’s reception.

NB: Entries must be relevant to the panda’s native countries of Nepal and China.
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