Two Rare Zoo Babies Need Names, Officials Say

There's no shortage of babies at Lincoln Park Zoo and with two more births, staff members are turning to the public to decide the animals' names.

The most recent additions to the zoo's family were two Sichuan takins—both males—that 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."

Staying true to the animals' roots, five Mandarin names are up for consideration—"Chen Li," which means morning strength; "Mengyao" signifying superior handsomeness; "Ming Hoa" translates to shining elite; "Temur Khan" means blessed iron ruler and "Xing Fu" for happy, good fortune. Online voting will remain open through Feb. 19 and on Feb. 20, zoo officials will announce the winning names.

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Bernier said that having the healthy pair on Valentine's Day was "better than candy and roses."

“It is great to have two youngsters at the same time for the animals’ social development, and we can look forward to some exciting play behavior in the near future,” he said, in a written statement.

The two boys bring the Sichuan takin heard up to five. There’s father Quanli, 6, who arrived from Montgomery Zoo in 2011 as part of an SSP breeding recommendation, and moms Jinse and Mei Li. The latter is a first-time mom who was born at the zoo herself in 2007.

“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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