African Wild Dog Names Announced

The voting has ended and the hunt for the names is over.  Thanks to dozens of local elementary schools, the Topeka Zoo’s three African Wild Dogs now have official names.

Zoo visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favorite names by making donations at the voting station located near the African Wild Dog exhibit.  The winners were determined by which three names raised the most money.  Each winning class will receive a free Zoo2U program presented by Education Curator, Dennis Dinwiddie.

Contest Winners Include:

Minzi (Defender/Protector)
Suggested by Carrie Podlena and Julie Dick’s 5th grade class at Silver Lake Grade School.
Money Raised – $256.28

Kipaku (Speckled One)
Suggested by Erin Carter’s Kindergarten class at Pleasant Hill Elementary
Money Raised – $38.96

Hunter (Hunter)
Suggested by the Security Benefit Academy
Money Raised – $40.25

The Topeka Zoo thanks all the schools who participated in the contest.  The money raised will go towards Wild Dog Conservation.