Zoo Names 2 New Takins With Help From Voters

After a week of voting, the names for Lincoln Park Zoo’s two new baby Sichuan takins have been announced.

The two males were born just one week apart on Jan. 31 and Feb. 9. The shaggy, bison-like species is native to China and its surrounding mountain ranges, where they graze on shrubs and grasses. Sichuan takins are relatively rare in zoos; there are only 90 of them living in 17 zoos nationwide, officials said.

"They’re vulnerable in the wild, a consequence of hunting and habitat loss," zoo officials said, in a written statement. "Lincoln Park Zoo manages the species in partnership with other zoos through the Sichuan Takin Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort managed by our general curator, Dave Bernier."

That's why the zoo turne to the public to name the adorable and rare animals. Five Mandarin names were up for consideration, but area residents chose just two.

Xing Fu—it means, “happy good fortune”—and Mengyao—translating to “superior handsomeness”—are the handles voters picked for the zoo's newest little trotters. The names were neck and neck, with Xing Fu earning 196 of 760 total votes and Mengyao winning 186.

Yen Li, or “calming and strength”; Temur Khan or “blessed iron ruler”; Chen Li or “morning strength”; and Ming Hoa or “shining elite”; were the runners up, receiving 133, 114, 91, and 44 votes, respectively.

“At only a few days old, Mei Li’s calf is full of energy and already playfully head-butting his dad,” Bernier said. “The younger calf is still a little more timid, sticking close to mom and finding his feet as he explores the yard.”

Mei Li, Jinse, and their soon-to-be-named calves have all been on exhibit in the zoo's Antelope & Zebra Area since Feb. 13. You can find them daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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