National Zoo asks public to name Front Royal red panda cub
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is asking the public to vote on a name for its female red panda cub living in Front Royal, Virginia, through Saturday.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo launched a public vote in Front Royal to name a young female red panda cub. People can help select the animal’s official title before an online poll closes on Saturday.
The cub was born in June to parents Keahi and Rocket. She lives at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute campus in Front Royal, Virginia. The young red panda has distinguished herself with bold and feisty behavior, the Smithsonian said.
The animal care team selected three possible name choices:
- Dolly, inspired by country music legend Dolly Parton
- Pyra, meaning “heat” in Greek
- Dolpa, a region of Nepal that is home to wild red pandas
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute operates as a breeding and research facility. Caregivers there look after rare species. Teams monitor births closely.
Supporters can submit a vote online for the Front Royal cub before Saturday.
