The Zoo’s rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal has gotten her official name – “Ziva” – named for the character on the hit CBS show NCIS. The name ties into the foal’s father’s name, Gibbs, also a character on the show. A zebra naming contest sponsored by Floyd Memorial Birthing Center was held this spring and summer, and of the 5,000 entries submitted, zookeepers narrowed the selection to three names: ABBY, KATNISS and ZIVA.

Zoo visitors then cast their votes by making a monetary donation for the name of their choice in a voting kiosk at the Zoo. The winning submission was made by Zack Vannarsdall from Carrollton, KY who received the grand prize. Cathryn Bailey from New Albany, Ind. and Ally French from Shelbyville, Ky. received a prize package for submitting the semi-finalists names – Abby and Katniss.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to name our zebra and raise $589.13 to support our animal care programs. Ziva is the first Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal to be born at the Zoo in 13 years. Born to Morena and Gibbs, the 72 lb. foal arrived January 18, 2013 at 2:45 a.m. You can see Ziva daily weather-permitting.

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