Mikki’s little calf is one step closer to getting his name! As you may have read on our social media, we had over 15,500 names submitted. While our elephant care team won’t get the final say on his name, they were allowed the privilege of narrowing down all of those names to three. After all, they have cared for mom and calf day and night for months and know the calf’s personality better than anyone! The three names they chose were Fitz, Rocket and Walt.

Each of the final three names had duplicate submissions, so the Zoo performed a random drawing amongst the people who submitted each of these three names to decide our finalists.

Kristin Hays from Prospect submitted “Fitz” after her great-grandfather who loved elephants and passed the love on to her. Tatyana Malkin’s 9-year-old daughter, Sofia, asked her to submit “Rocket” to go along with our recently named bongo “Groot,” both from the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Taylor Barr from Meade County submitted “Walt” after Walt Disney.

Voting runs through Oct. 20 at the kiosk near the elephant area. Drop change or dollars in one or each of the voting slots in the kiosk to show your preference for a name or love for elephants. New this year — vote online! Financial support in any amount is critical to the excellent care of the animals and education mission of your Zoo.

We have added a 4th option to online voting for those of you who just want to show their support without picking a name: “I am not voting, just love elephants” donation button. We challenge our elephant fans to raise the most money in a Zoo voting (or not voting) contest ever, for the love of elephants. Show your support at Louisvillezoo.org/vote.

Mikki’s calf is just over 9-weeks-old now and weighing in at 350 lbs. He’s discovered the small pool his keepers created in the yard for him and has been splashing around to the delight and cheers from guests of ALL ages, adults and children alike. It seems there is no age limit to finding him adorable!

Mikki and calf’s daily viewing schedule is still 10 to noon (though most days they may be viewable until 1 p.m.) We still highly encourage guests to check LouisvilleZoo.org/Mikki for viewing details and all things calf related.