Point Defiance Zoo Cubs Get Monikers

TACOMA, Wash.— No longer will the two rare Clouded leopard cubs at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium be known as “Girl” and “Boy.” The cubs were officially named Sunday, June 22, by winners of the Zoo’s “Name That Cub” contest.

“Girl” was dubbed “Kwan Jai,” which translates to “Sweetheart” in the Thai language. The name was submitted by Lori Korenek of Vashon Island and her 8-year-old daughter, Kelli. The Koreneks made a list of Thai names they found on the Internet and brought the list of the Zoo. They observed the cubs and chose the names they thought best suited their personalities, Korenek said.

(Rama is on the left, Kwan Jai on the right)

“Boy” will be known as “Rama,” or “Thai King,” thanks to Lisa Stich (pronounced STITCH) of Tacoma. The bank worker and Zoo volunteer scoured the Internet for suitable Thai names and entered 10 of them in the contest.

The Zoo staff had encouraged Thai names because Clouded leopards are native to Southeast Asia. The leopards are listed among endangered species, falling victim to loss of habitat and hunters who prize their fur. The leopards have unique markings, including large spots that resemble clouds.

The cubs were named during a public ceremony at the Zoo. The winners got to touch the cubs and give them their names. They received combination family memberships to the Zoo and Northwest Trek for the winning entries.

“The Zoo staff has done a remarkable job of helping to bring these cubs into the world and has made significant contributions to conservation efforts for these highly endangered animals,” said Metro Parks Tacoma Commissioner Eric Steinmeyer, who spoke at the naming ceremony.

The cubs, who were born at the Zoo on April 3, have just emerged from quarantine and are venturing outdoors for visits with crowds at the Zoo.

The contest was sponsored by The News Tribune, The Zoo Society and Olympia’s KAYO Radio.

To learn more about Clouded leopards, visit www.cloudedleopard.org.