CINCINNATI — The name of the University of Cincinnati’s next mascot is up to you.
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Director Thane Maynard unveiled the newest addition to the zoo and UC: A 4-week-old, two pound baby bearcat.
She’s healthy, she’s adorable and she needs a name.
It’s up to you, Cincy. (I think she looks like a Susan myself.)
The naming contest is on now. You can submit names for the baby bearcat via the zoo’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagramaccounts. (Use the hashtag #namethebearcat.)
The contest closes Oct. 31. The bearcat's care team will then select the top two names; voting will be open Nov. 4 - 7, and the winning name will be announced during the Nov. 9 homecoming game at Nippert Stadium.
Bearcat fans can expect to see the lil baby at basketball games in mid-November.
“We’re hoping as we get into the beginning of the basketball season, she’ll be able to come out to Fifth Third Arena for games as Lucy did before,” Maynard said.
Lucy, UC’s former mascot, is healthy and is enjoying retirement at the zoo.
Can’t wait to see the baby bearcat? You can see her at the zoo now in the animal ambassador program.
The cub was born at the Nashville Zoo. She’ll be about 20 pounds when she’s fully grown.
