Cheyenne Mountain Zoo asks community to help name two grizzly bear cubs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) is asking the community to help name its two eight-month-old grizzly bear cubs while raising money for grizzly bear conservation.

CMZoo says for a minimum $5 donation, fans can vote for their favorite name pair for the sibling cubs. According to CMZoo, 100% of the money raised through the naming campaign will benefit The Vital Ground Foundation, a nonprofit working to protect and restore grizzly bear habitat across North America.

Voting is open through Tuesday, Aug. 25. The name pair that raises the most money will be selected as the cubs' names.

Zoo staff selected three name pairs for the community to choose from. The female cub's name is listed first:

• Meadow and Forrest — inspired by the wild landscapes and natural habitats where grizzly bears roam.
• Scout and Ranger — representing the people and organizations working to protect grizzlies and their native habitats.
• Aspen and Yarrow — highlighting plants and vegetation found throughout grizzly bear habitats.

The cubs arrived at CMZoo in June after being orphaned in Montana. They are the first orphaned grizzlies to arrive at the zoo in more than 20 years.

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The cubs' mother, an adult female grizzly, was euthanized following a long history of conflicts with humans and attractants.

The zoo said the cubs recently received a clean bill of health and have moved from quarantine into an indoor/outdoor space behind the scenes in Rocky Mountain Wild.

Officials say it could be several weeks before the cubs begin exploring the main grizzly bear yards where guests can see them.

The winning names will be announced after Aug. 25 on the zoo's website, through emails to members and subscribers, and on its social media channels.

Click here to vote and donate.

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