FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05 December 2007

Contact:   

Gregory Bockheim         

Executive Director          

(757) 441-2374 ext 238

AND THE FINALISTS ARE …

Finalists are named in the Zoo's Lion Cub Naming Contest

NORFOLK , Va. – Over 600 entries in the lion cub naming contest were received by the Virginia Zoo. The entire Zoo staff, from zookeepers to gift shop staff, has voted - narrowing the names down to three finalists for both the male and female names. The finalists are:

Male: Granby – Taavi – Tonga

Female: Aza – Lulu – Neka

The task of choosing official names from these finalists is in the hands of the public. “We were thrilled by the response from the public – there were so many names, it wasn't easy choosing the finalists!” said Greg Bockheim, the Zoo's Director.

Zoo visitors and members of the community are asked to vote for their favorite names. A donation of $1 is requested per vote, proceeds will be used for animal enrichment and conservation projects. Official rules and forms can be found on the Zoo's website and in the Zoo Membership Office. All votes must be submitted by December 31, 2007 .

The cubs, one female and one male, were born on Saturday, August 18 to Zola and Mramba, the Zoo's African lion pair. This is the first large carnivore birth at the Zoo in 35 years.

The cubs are expected to be large enough to venture onto exhibit early in the New Year.

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA ZOO

As an accredited American Zoo and Aquarium Association ( AZA ) facility, the Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals, beautifully manicured grounds and offers a fun-filled day for all. For more than a century, the Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to wildlife, conservation and education. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk . Daily admission prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for seniors (age 62 and over), and $5.00 for children ages 2-11. Visit www.virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374 for more info rmation.

# # #