What would you name a rhino? NC Zoo seeks public's help

The zoo, which is in Asheboro about 90 minutes from the Triangle, is seeking suggestions for names for its rhino born in July 2.

Posted 11:02 p.m. Jul 18, 2018 — Updated 11:02 p.m. Jul 18, 2018

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

The North Carolina Zoo has had a couple of big baby announcements in recent weeks.

On July 2, the zoo announced the birth of its first rhino in 41 years. A couple of weeks later, on July 13, it welcomed a second baby rhino. Both are females.

Now the zoo, which is in Asheboro about 90 minutes from the Triangle, is seeking suggestions for names for the older rhino calf, born on July 2. She was born to mom Linda and dad Stormy. Both mom and calf are doing well and are on view to the public in the zoo's Watani Grasslands 40-acre habitat.

The zoo is asking the public to vote for their favorite of six names chosen by the zoo's rhino zookeepers. Each of the six names reflects the theme of strong, female leaders in history, both factual and mythical, according to a zoo press release.

Here are the choices:

Boadicea, a Celtic warrior queen;
Diana, goddess of wild animals in Roman mythology;
Grace O’Malley, Irish queen and naval captain;
Mamba, an all-female group of anti-poaching advocates in Africa;
Nandi, Queen of the Zulus and mother of Shaka Zulu;
Penelope, Queen of Ithaca and wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology, who also symbolizes family and fidelity;
and Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II.

Voting is open now and closes at 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 24. The online poll can be accessed through the zoo’s website or through the zoo’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The winning name will be announced Friday, July 27.

The second baby rhino, born July 13, also is doing well and on view on the Watani Grasslands. The zoo will make an announcement at a later time about the details of her naming process.

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