01/18 ~ Greater Vancouver Zoo's giraffe calf has a name from the public
PRESS RELEASE
Date: January 18, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO’S GIRAFFE CALF HAS A NAME FROM THE PUBLIC
Aldergrove – It was a birthday party for the 3 month old female giraffe calf at the Greater Vancouver Zoo today! And to see who was the winner for the giraffe naming contest.
With almost 1,000 entries the staff were busy going through the names to determine which one would best suit her, in the end 3 names were selected for the Mom (Eleah) to decide upon. So how did she choose a name? Due to high winds today we were unable to secure the food favorites properly around the giraffe enclosure, so instead we had 3 zookeepers each hold some bamboo browse and one of the names on a piece of paper (hidden to everyone). Then we all waited until Eleah came up to choose which browse and which name she liked the best, after her 1st choice was made we waited to see where she would go next for the runner-up prize.
The name selected was “Bonnie” submitted by Renae Warnock. Our Grand Prize Winner, Renae, has won a Family Year Membership to the Greater Vancouver Zoo and a private “Behind the Scenes” encounter with the whole giraffe family. Renae was thrilled to hear the good news and when asked why she chose the name, we learned that “she went to school with the Sr. Zookeeper (Bonnie) of the giraffes and knows how much she loves animals”. Bonnie (the Sr. Zookeeper) didn’t know anything about her friend submitting her name into the contest, but was extremely happy to have one of the wonderful animals she cares for to be named after her. All the staff and volunteers were in high spirits as well and were excited for both Bonnie’s.
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The runner-up was Ian Macleod, his name submitted was Naivasha meaning “lake in Kenya”. Ian also wins a Family Year Membership to the zoo and was very happy to hear to news today as well!
Guests attending today’s celebration all received a small giveaway with a photo of “Bonnie” and some facts about how much she is grown in her 1st three months (now 136 kg and 2.3m tall) along with some pink and chocolate treats.
Everyone at the Greater Vancouver Zoo would like to thank all who came by to see her and also submitted names for the latest addition to the giraffe family. Bonnie is happy, healthy and can’t wait to see you again soon!!
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Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo
visit us at: www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!
Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is an accredited zoo within the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which is a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.