Steve GannName Those Cubs!
May 11th 2010 20:44
The National Zoo in Washington needs your help in naming their twin Andean cubs that were born this past January. The zoo is taking votes through March 17th and anyone who votes or re-tweets the poll will be entered in a contest for a behind the scenes tour of the Zoo’s Andean bear exhibit and a chance to meet the bears keepers.
Names for the female cub:
* Caridad: This Spanish name means “charity” and “kindness” and would be fitting for the beautiful female cub.
* Paqarina: This name from the Quechua language means “dawn, daybreak, the beginning of a new day or rebirth -- a new opportunity to live.” It is a “new day” for this species to prosper.
* Chaska: This is also a Quechua word, originating in Peru. It is the name of the dawn star; many Andean women in Peru are named Chaska.
* Roraima: This is a popular female name in Venezuela in honor of the beautiful Mount Roraima in the Amazon region. The mountain includes the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.
Names for the male cub:
* Bernardo: Spanish for “brave like a bear” or “strong, brave bear.” Since these bears are found in South America, where the primary language is Spanish, this robust Spanish name is fitting of the zoo’s muscular, tough male cub.
* Juco: This name originates from the Quechua language, native of the Andean mountains. A name from this language would be a tribute to the people of that region.
* Churun: This is a popular male name in Venezuela and is also the name of a river that runs through the country. The river feeds into Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world (3,212 feet). The river and falls’ beauty and strength reflect the Andean bear -- strong and beautiful.
* Atiq: This is a Quechua word that means “winner” or “the one who achieves.” The belief is that the birth and survival of these growing, thriving cubs is a real win and great achievement for the species.
All the names have Peruvian and Venezuelan roots -- a nod to the bears' South American heritage.
To cast your vote click here
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