TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - The votes are tallied, and the Toledo Zoo announced Thursday morning that Lucas is the winning name for the baby elephant born June 3.
The possible names were Lucas, Chuck and Iain. After nearly 8,000 entries, Lucas won by more than 3,000 votes. The name, which was the keepers' favorite, honors the long-time support of Lucas County voters.
"The Toledo Zoo is a regional treasure," said Anne Baker, executive director. "We are grateful to Lucas County voters who have supported us over the years and helped us become one of the best zoos in the U.S. That support certainly includes Lucas, a reminder of the plight of African elephants. Words like habitat loss, human conflict and poaching remain 'just words' until you see these noble animals for yourself and realize the challenges they face."
Lucas isn't the only one walking away from the contest with something new. From the winning entries, a random winner was drawn: Vicki Godsey, of Delta, OH. She wins a one-year Zoo family membership and a big basket of "ele-fun" gifts. Vicki says she had a zoo membership when her children were small and is looking forward to sharing her new zoo membership with her grandchildren. "They're going to be so excited," she said. "I heard about the contest on the news and just thought Lucas was a good name for that baby elephant. Wait 'til the kids find out I won!"
Lucas and his mother, Renee, are available for public viewing daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., though they may be off exhibit periodically depending on their needs or weather changes. Lucas, who is sponsored by BP, is gaining about two pounds a day.
