Name that orangutan (but it can't be 'Scooter')

Last update: January 23, 2008 - 1:05 AM

The Como Zoo's newborn orangutan needs a name, and the public gets to pick it by paying for it.

There are three choices, and people can give money -- any amount is fine -- toward the name they prefer. The name that raises the most cash will be given to the male baby. All proceeds will go toward the zoo's orangutan training program.

Voting starts Thursday and runs through Feb. 17. The name will be announced at noon Feb. 18.

The choices and their meanings:

• Jaya, "a celebration" or "victorious"

• Pandu, "leader" or "scout"

• Bejo, "lucky"

Beginning Thursday, payments and votes may be made online at www.comozooconservatory.org or in person at the zoo.

The baby's birth Dec. 13 caused quite a stir because he arrived by Caesarean section. He's the zoo's 14th baby orangutan to survive since 1959 and the first to be delivered by C-section.

Doctors from the University of Minnesota's veterinary college joined with zoo staff and a pair of obstetrician-gynecologists from University of Minnesota Children's Hospital to perform the emergency surgery on the 20-year-old mother, Markisa.

CHRIS HAVENS

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