FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   

Friday, May 8, 2009

Contact:

David Barnhardt

Director of Marketing & Guest Services

(330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

LeBron fever part of Akron Zoo’s jaguar cub naming contest

Local star and NBA MVPs’ name one of six finalists for jaguars born at the zoo

AKRON, Ohio – A committee of zoo staff has narrowed the field down to six. Nakita (meaning  unconquerable), Bella (meaning beautiful), Chackito (meaning little Chack; the cubs’ father’s name), Dakari (meaning happiness) , Hadiya (meaning gift) and LeBron were chosen from over 600 entries to be the final six names that visitors can now vote on at the zoo.

           The first opportunity to vote for the cubs’ names will be this Sunday at the zoo during the Mother’s Day Garden Party from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The cubs were born at the zoo on March 3, 2009 and will be on exhibit later this summer.

Voting will only take place at the zoo during certain events. For a dollar or more visitors can vote on their favorite name. The top three names with the most money raised will become the cubs’ names. All proceeds raised during the fundraiser will go to support jaguar conservation. The voting will also take place at the zoo on June 3 at Brew at the Zoo, on June 11 at Enrichment Day, and will end on June 20, which is the zoo’s Dad’s Day celebration. The winning names will be announced on June 24, 2009.

            The cubs, two females and one male, are expected to be on exhibit to the public sometime after the names are announced. The cubs are still indoors with their mother, Naom. The father, Chack (pronounced shock), is on exhibit daily at the zoo. Updates on when the cubs will be on exhibit will be posted at www.akronzoo.org

            The Akron Zoo, which is home to over 700 animals from around the world, is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $6 for children (2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information call (330) 375-2550 or visit the zoo’s website at www.akronzoo.org

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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