Racine, WI – The Racine Zoo, which recently publicly welcomed two Transvaal lion cubs born March 16th , announces the details of the Pride of Racine’s “Name the Cubs Contest” presented by Johnson Bank and The Journal Times.  Members of the public are encouraged to submit their suggestions for names of the male and female lion cubs. 

The names will be selected by the Racine Zoo staff from the suggestions received. The two winning names may come from one entry or two separate entries. The winner(s) will receive a prize package provided by the Zoo, Johnson Bank and The Journal Times.  The winning name selections will be announced on Saturday, May 29th at 2:30 pm at the Racine Zoo’s Vanishing Kingdom historic main building.

“We are looking for thoughtfulness and creativity from the public.  Elsa, Aslan and their first litter of four cubs received very meaningful names from our community,” said Jay Christie, President and CEO, Racine Zoo.

Contestants are encouraged to submit their suggestions by completing an online form accessible by visiting www.racinezoo.org or www.journaltimes.com.  Entry blanks and suggestion boxes are also available at 10 Racine-area Johnson Bank locations. The blanks can be completed and returned at the Johnson Bank branch or returned to the Zootique gift shop at the Racine Zoo or mailed to Racine Zoo, 200 Goold Street, Racine, WI, 53402.  The contest ends on Tuesday, May 24th at 4:30 pm.

Johnson Bank has a rich history of supporting the Racine Zoo and its lions.  Sponsoring Elsa and Aslan’s arrival to the Zoo in November 2005 with the intent they would one day mate, Johnson Bank sponsored the first “Pride of Racine” in 2007, when the pair had their first litter.

“We are pleased that Johnson Bank’s support of the Racine Zoo, and specifically lions, over the years has grown into quite the legacy.  The community can be proud that the lions born here at our Zoo are part of a much larger purpose; providing for education in zoos across the country as well as maintaining the world population of Transvaal lions whose numbers in the wild decreasing,” said Tom Mahoney, President, Johnson Bank.

The cubs can be seen in recent photos and video footage on the Racine Zoo website. “We hope seeing the cubs in action will inspire name suggestions. They are currently off exhibit as they adjust to their environment. Elsa, their mom, is becoming less protective as they become grow. Since we can’t yet watch them at the Zoo, be sure to view the videos on the website,” said Megan Frazer, Marketing and Special Events Manager, Racine Zoo.

The lion cubs are scheduled to go on exhibit for a short time on Thursday, May 27 when they go on exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic main building for the Members Appreciation event.  Following that time, they are scheduled for public viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29. They will then be on exhibit daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

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The Racine Zoo works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. 

The Racine Zoo is open daily.  Current hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission fees are: Members and children under 3: FREE, children 3 – 15: $4.00, seniors $5.00 and adults $6.00. For more information on the Racine Zoo, it’s programs and events, explore www.racinezoo.org.

The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.