What's in a name? Baby jaguar gets name, intro to public
There was no red carpet, but the paparazzi and the public still came out Monday morning to greet one of Palm Beach's newest celebrities: a 3 month-old jaguar cub.
Maya was introduced at the Palm Beach Zoo around 10 am. It was her first public debut since her birth at the zoo on October 28th, 2008.
"I loved the jaguar," said 7 year-old Liam Groth, who watched as zoo workers coerced Maya out of her cage. "It's really cool. She's really cute."
The baby jaguar will remain at the zoo until it is old enough to breed, officials say. The cub, an endangered species, is the fifth born in captivity at the Palm Beach Zoo.
"The birth is a symbol of everything we can do to protect this important species," said Dr. Terry Maple of the Palm Beach Zoo. "Her birth also represents the Palm Beach Zoo's commitment to doing the research needed."
Members of the public were also asked to suggest names for the baby jag. Nearly 2,000 people entered suggestions, and the winning name was chosen online by the public.
The cub's name was suggested by David Lipps of Stuart. Lipps will receive special access to the cub, as well as dinner for six at the zoo catered by the Ritz Carlton hotel and a one-year membership to the Big Cat Society.
