The Smithsonian Wants You To Help Choose The Name Of The New Giant Panda Cub [VIDEO]
Bao Bao, Ling Hua, Long Yun, Mulan, or Zhen Bao are the choices and the decision is yours - well, partially.
The Smithsonian is asking the public to decide what to name the new giant panda cub at the National Zoo.
To place a vote go to Smithsonian.com (or click here) now through November 22, 2013. The winning name will be announced on December 1, 2013.
What do the names mean (from Smithsonianmag.com)?
- Bao Bao precious, treasure
- Ling Hua darling, delicate flower
- Long Yun Long is the Chinese symbol of the dragon; Yun means charming; name is a sign of luck for panda cooperation between China and the United States.
- Mulan legendary young woman, a smart and brave Chinese warrior from the fifth century, popularized by the Disney movie of the same name; also the name for the magnolia flower in China and the United States
- Zhen Bao treasure, valuable
The panda cub born to Mei Xiang on August 23, 2013 will turn one hundred days old on December 1st and that is when she will be given her name.
When the panda cub turns four she will return to the Wolong National Nature Preserve in China. Until then you can see her on the Giant Panda Cam at the National Zoo.