Brookfield Zoo Name a Tortoise Contest

Enter the Brookfield Zoo Name a Tortoise Contest!

Four Galápagos tortoises—the world’s largest living tortoise species—now call Brookfield Zoo home. But these four cute reptiles, currently known as Nos. 3269, 3270, 3271, and 3272 (and color coded orange, yellow, white, and pink respectively), are in need of names. The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo, is now asking children ages 11 and under to help name the tortoises through a contest that will take place from February 18 through March 12, 2010.

The tortoises at Brookfield Zoo, whose gender will not be determined until they are about 15 years old, hatched in summer 2009 and currently all weigh less than a pound. Eventually, they could grow to an average weight of 450 pounds (females weigh less) and measure between 4 and 5 feet long! They will reach full size at about 40 years old, although depending on their diet, they could continue to grow throughout their entire lives. Galápagos tortoises can live between 100 and 150 years, which means that winners can visit the tortoises they named for many years and even bring their children and grandchildren, making it a multi-generational experience.

All entries will be considered. However, the winning names will be selected based on originality, and connection to the Society’s mission of inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. Assistance from older siblings, parents, or caregivers is encouraged.

TO ENTER:

Click here to download a form and mail it to:

Name A Tortoise
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513

OR

Use the entry forms and ballot boxes available by the Galápagos tortoises’ exhibit in Perching Bird House or at Hamill Family Play Zoo.



Entry Requirements

Completed entries must include a suggested name for one of the tortoises; an explanation in 50 words or less for why that name was chosen; the entrant’s name, complete address, and telephone number; and a parent’s or legal guardian’s signature. One entry per person is allowed. All submissions must be deposited in one of the ballot boxes or postmarked by March 12, 2010, and received by March 17, 2010. No purchase is necessary.

A panel comprised of the Society’s Animal Programs staff and Brookfield Zoo director Dr. Stuart Strahl will select the winning names. If there is a tie among two or more identical entries, there will be a drawing to determine a winner. Each of the four winners will receive a Share the Care package for the tortoise named and an invitation to Brookfield Zoo to come out with up to five (5) family members and meet the tortoises as well as some of the keepers that care for the animals.

The winning names will be announced the week of March 22.

Click here to view official contest rules
Click here to get the lowdown on Galapagos Tortoises