Elliott, Fonzie, or Sota?
Over The MEA Weekend, Como’s Visitors Will Decide
The honor of choosing the name for Como Zoo’s baby male giraffe was bestowed upon the many great and talented volunteers that help make Como Park Zoo & Conservatory bloom 365 days a year. With over 100 names suggested by the dedicated crew, zoo staff whittled it down to three finalists:
Elliott (a nod to the movie E.T.)
Fonzie (Ayyyyy, he’s so cool!)
Sota (he’s a MinneSOTA boy!)
Beginning Friday, October 18, and continuing through Como’s special Creepy-Crawly Creature Awareness Weekend (October 18-20), visitors to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite of the three. Ballot boxes will be stationed around Como for guests to vote for one of the three names. Voting will end at 4pm Sunday, October 20 and the winner will be announced on Como’s social media pages on Monday, October 21.
Como’s Volunteers were asked to submit names along with the reasoning behind their suggestions. Some names that were submitted offered creative takes on being tall, and some names honored a late great pet they once owned. In the end, the more whimsical names rose to the top.
Elliott was suggested multiple times, each citing the giraffe’s uncanny resemblance to the movie character E.T.
The name Fonzie is in reference to the 70s-80s hit television show “Happy Days” and character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. “The giraffe is ultra-cool, just like the Fonz”, was written on a submission ballot.
Sota was submitted with great reverence to the fine State of Minnesota, and that the baby giraffe is likely the only 6’ 4”, 160lbs baby ever to be born in Minnesota.
The new baby male, born Tuesday, September 10th, is the 8th calf born to Clover and the 23rd giraffe birth at Como Zoo in the last 25 years. The yet-to-be named male weighed 160 pounds at birth (Clover’s largest to date) and stands 6’ 4” tall. Como’s current herd currently consists of Clover, Daisy, Skeeter (father), Penelope, and the new male. This is Skeeter’s 7th offspring, 5 of which have been female.
The giraffe is available for sponsorship. Sponsoring an animal is a unique way to help Como Zoo with its wildlife conservation efforts. Donations support enhanced habitats and efforts to maintain the best care possible for the animals at Como Zoo. For more information visit: https://comofriends.org/give/sponsor-an-animal/
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Cameo Garza says
HERBERT for the baby Giraffe
carol behan says
I love the name Jabori, he is a giraffe and a beautiful one
this name of course is not even in the selection
Diane Erickson says
Fonzie it fits him
Carole says
Fonzie is cute for him.
Carole says
Fonzie
Carole says
Fonzie is cute name
Cyndy Simons says
Simon, cuz he was born on my birthday 9/10!!!!!!
Debbie Brevig says
My golden retriever, ‘Sota, would very much love for the baby giraffe to be named after him. 😉🥰
Patricia Gandsey says
Elliot
Nancy McIndoe says
He does look like E.T. in the picture above!! However, considering he’s already surpassed several standards (6’4″ & 160 lbs and 1st boy) that distinguish him from other Giraffes, I think Sota (MinneSOTA) would be a proud name for him! Also this would allow his birth location to follow him wherever he goes.
Cindy says
I like Elliott. It’s a nice respectable name for a beautiful animal. Sota would be my second choice. I like the connection to MinneSOTA.
Paulette B says
Elliott is so cute. My great nephew would be honored. He’s a middle child and loves animals
Oh so cute
Susan Halzle says
Henry
Susan Halzle says
Archie
Judith Grossmann says
Elliot is what I chose.
Deirdre says
Fonzie because he has such expressive eyes and seems cuddly.
Corrine Mahoney says
I love them all. I see ET in him and he certainly is cool. Sota makes a big statement and has my vote.
I’m glad I didn’t have to start from scratch.
Have a great life representing Minnesota’s first big boy.
Sharon Laplount says
Sota is my choice.
Jen B says
Elliot
Tracy says
Sota! It would be such a tribute! Visitors will love the name and the connection
Amber Hansen says
Elliot
Ashley says
Fonzie!!!
Sandi Carlson says
Elloit.
k O'Neil says
our family cant make it down for MEA but our vote is for Sota!
Kate says
Sota. As his spots represent our 10,000 lakes, and he’s tall like Babe & Paul Bunyan.
Sharon says
Elliot!
Jeff says
Elliot fits him perfectly.
Christina Brenke says
Sota! He was born in Minnesota.
Danielle Super says
I love the name Elliot for him! He definitely bears some resemblance to E.T.
Lonnie says
Hands down … he’s an Elliott!
Dawn Inserra says
Sota 🦒
Cindi says
My first and second grade vote for Fonzie!!! 🙂
Kylie says
Another vote for Elliot!