ATLANTA — You've heard of March Madness, but how about Rhino Naming Madness? It doesn't quite have the same ring, but now is an exciting opportunity to help Zoo Atlanta find the perfect name for its adorable baby southern white rhino.
The Zoo’s Rhino Care Team has entered nine names, and seven names will be selected from the public to enter the Sweet Sixteen.
From there, the zoo’s naming committee will select the seven names that move forward from the pool of public submissions.
According to Zoo Atlanta, name suggestions may be submitted here through 11 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.
Here's a look at when each new round in the bracket will be announced:
- Round 1: Opens at 1 p.m. on March 20 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on March 26
- Round 2: Opens at 1 p.m. on March 27 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on April 2
- Round 3: Opens at 1 p.m. on April 3 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on April 7
- Round 4: Opens at 1 p.m. on April 8 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on April 10.
The winning name will be announced on April 11.
The zoo gave the following statement about its adorable bundle of joy:
"Arriving on Christmas Eve in the early evening hours of December 24, 2023, the 10-week-old female calf now weighs between 350 and 400 pounds and has recently begun making exploratory visits into the Delta Air Lines Rhino Habitat with her mother, Kiazi, with other recent milestones including “baby’s first mud wallow” in late February. While there is not yet a guarantee of seeing the calf, many Zoo Atlanta Members and guests have recently been treated to sightings."
Those looking for bracket updates can find them on the zoo's Instagram page. You may even get a little peek inside the indoor portion of the rhino habitat.
