The Denver Zoo may be closed to the public, but the baby rhino naming business is still booming.
The female baby Indian one-horned rhino calf that arrived in February now has a name: Joona.
That translates to "treasure" or "joyful in nature" in Nepalese culture. Some of the few wild Indian one-horned rhinos can be found in Nepal.
It's official, the votes are in and our greater gal one-horned rhino has a name! Meet Joona! In Nepalese culture, Joona means "treasure" or "joyful in nature". Thanks to your generosity, we are able to donate a portion of the funds we raised to @RhinosIRF. #closedbutstillcaring pic.twitter.com/1bR1GQKepw
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) April 22, 2020
Denver Zoo fans donated money to cast a vote to name the baby rhino. Joona won out over Talli and Pemba.
Joona took another big step this week — literally. She ventured out into the habitat with her mama Tensing for the first time on Tuesday.
Baby greater one-horned rhino is OUTSIDE. For now, Tensing and baby seem to be hanging out in just one corner while they get situated, but we’ll have more to share soon—including baby’s name because it's the LAST DAY to vote for her name. Vote now: https://t.co/mFZHZ9noC7 pic.twitter.com/4RIhtcf5JW
— Denver Zoo (@DenverZoo) April 21, 2020
So, when the zoo opens its doors to human visitors again, you should be able to catch a glimpse of little Joona. No matter when that ends up happening, we're sure she'll be adorable.
You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!
It takes a good day’s drive to cover Colorado, but we’ll help you do it in a few minutes. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.