KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Zoo Knoxville is inviting the community to take part in naming its two newest red panda cubs while helping support animal care, conservation and education programs.
The zoo announced Tuesday that supporters can enter a special raffle for the opportunity to suggest names for the two endangered red panda cubs and receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with the zoo’s red panda care team.
According to Zoo Knoxville Communications Manager JJ Jones, raffle participants can enter by making a donation to the zoo’s conservation and animal care efforts.
Donation levels include:
- $25 donation = 1 raffle entry
- $40 donation = 2 raffle entries
- $60 donation = 3 raffle entries
Participants are limited to a maximum of three raffle entries.
Two raffle winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to meet members of the zoo’s red panda care team, learn about daily care and conservation efforts, and submit name suggestions for the cubs.
Zoo officials said all submitted names must meet animal care and conservation standards, with the zoo making the final naming decision at a later date.
The raffle runs from August 4 through August 14.
The two male cubs were born on June 7 to mother Sisu and father Doofah. Their arrival was announced by the zoo earlier this summer.
Zoo Knoxville is nationally recognized for its red panda conservation efforts. Through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, the zoo has helped care for more than 115 red panda cubs since 1978, making it one of North America’s leading institutions for red panda breeding and conservation.
Red pandas are considered an endangered species, making conservation and public education programs an important part of the zoo’s mission.
Anyone interested in participating in the raffle or learning more about the cubs can visit ZooKnoxville.org.
