What’s in a name? You decide
The two Andean bear cubs (Tremarctos ornatus)—also known as the spectacled bear—that were born at the National Zoo in mid-January are getting ready for two big events: receiving their names May 19 and making their public debut May 22.
After months of seclusion in their indoor den with mother Billie Jean, the two curious cubs have slowly ventured farther into their indoor enclosure, graduated to a few trips outdoors to explore their yards and are gearing up to make their public debut. However, they are in need of fitting names, and the Zoo is asking the public to weigh in on the selection. Though both cubs are similar in size and coloring, their facial markings are quite distinct, so they can be easily distinguished. The male has much more pronounced “eyebrows” or spectacles—he has more light-colored hair in the area around his eyes than does his sister.
The male Andean bear cub born in January at the National Zoo. (Photo by Mehgan Murphy)
“The cubs are extremely playful and not at all shy,” says acting Andean bear curator Craig Saffoe. “They seem to like showing off for the keepers. They like to wrestle with each other, or their mother—but they never win that match. They are incredibly endearing to watch; I think visitors will be captivated with them.”
Anyone can vote online for one of four names (each) that the Andean bear keepers, volunteers and the embassies of Peru and Venezuela (countries in which Andean bears are found) have suggested for these cubs. Polls will remain open until noon on Monday, May 17. The winning names will be announced via a special media event May 19 at the Andean Bear exhibit with Dennis Kelly, the National Zoo’s director, and representatives of the embassies of Peru and Venezuela. In addition, the names will be announced via Facebook and Twitter.
The female Andean bear cub born at the Zoo in January. (Photo by Mehgan Murphy)
The candidates are:
Male Names
Bernardo: This is a Spanish name that means “brave like a bear” or “strong, brave bear.” Since these bears are found in South America, where the primary language is Spanish, this robust Spanish name is fitting of the Zoo’s muscular, tough male cub.
Juco: This name originates from the Quechua language, native of the Andean mountains. Andean bears are indigenous to the Andean mountains, hence their name, and choosing from this language would be a tribute to the people of that region.
Churun: This is a popular male name in Venezuela and is also the name of a river that runs through the country. The river feeds into Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world (3,212 feet). The river and falls’ beauty and strength reflect the Andean bear—strong and beautiful.
Atiq: This is a Quechua word that means “winner” or “the one who achieves.” The belief is that the birth and survival of these growing, thriving cubs is a real “win” and great achievement for the vulnerable species.
Female names
Caridad: This Spanish name means “charity” and “kindness” and would be fitting of a beautiful female Andean bear cub.
Paqarina: This name is from the Quechua language and it means “dawn, daybreak, the beginning of a new day or rebirth—a new opportunity to live.” It is a “new day” for this species to prosper. Choosing a name from the Quechua language pays homage to the area in which these bears originate.
Chaska: This is also a Quechua word and it originates in Peru. It is the name of the dawn star and many Andean women in Peru are named Chaska.
Roraima: This is a popular female name in Venezuela in honor of the beautiful Mount Roraima in the Amazon region. The mountain includes the triple border point of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.
Individuals who retweet the Zoo’s call for votes on Twitter will be entered in a drawing for a tour of the Zoo’s Andean Bear exhibit and a chance to meet their keepers. To vote, visit the poll page.
UPDATE:
One week and nearly 5,000 votes after the online polls opened to name the Andean bear cubs, the Zoo has its winners: Chaska for the female and Bernardo for the male!
Animal keepers and the embassies of Peru and Venezuela submitted names for the online poll that are of Andean or South American derivation. Each name held significant meaning special to the bears or the region in which they are found. National Zoo director Dennis Kelly, along with Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Peru, Mr. Fernando Quiros, and the Charge D’Affairs from the Embassy of Venezuela, Dr. Angelo Rivero–Santos, announced the names May 19 in a special naming ceremony.
When the polls closed May 18, Chaska edged out Paqarina by merely 72 votes (1,799 or 37% of the total votes). Chaska, meaning the “dawn star,” was submitted by the Embassy of Peru. Bernardo, Spanish for “brave like a bear,” won by a much larger margin claiming 42% or 2,064 votes. Bernardo was submitted by the Andean bear keepers for the poll but coincidentally is also the name of the Ambassador of Venezuela, Bernardo Alvarez.
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Posted: 11 May 2010
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