After more than 11,000 submissions, the final four candidates for the name of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s newest baby elephant have been revealed.
The zoo said the elephant care team narrowed down the submissions bases on the type of personality that has been emerging in the baby boy, who was born on Oct. 21, as well as work well in training and offer something “truly special.”
The final four name choices are: Frederick, Oliver (with the nickname Ollie), Ozzy and Theodore (with the nickname Theo).
The baby boy is the second Asian elephant calf to be welcomed at the zoo in 2025. Rita Jean, named for longtime zoo supporter Rita Jean Wolfe, was born on July 23.
Votes can be submitted through the zoo’s website.
Voting is open until noon on Dec. 1. The winning name will be announced on Dec. 2.
Both baby elephants can be seen between noon and 9 p.m. daily in the Asia Quest area. Viewing opportunities may be limited depending on the routines and needs of the baby elephants.
Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com or on Bluesky at @bethanybruner.dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo narrows baby elephant name to 4 candidates, voting open
Reporting by Bethany Bruner, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
