Hutchinson Zoo Welcomes Two Male Skunks, Launches Public Naming Contest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Zoo is asking the public to help name two new residents after welcoming a pair of male skunks from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado.

The skunks will join the zoo's animal ambassador team, which helps educate visitors about wildlife, zoo officials announced on social media Thursday.

"We are thrilled to welcome two adorable male skunks from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado!" the zoo said in a Facebook post. "They will be joining our animal ambassador team that helps teach people of all ages about amazing animals!"

The zoo is conducting a public voting contest with four name pairs for visitors to choose from: Ash and Sage, named after native prairie plants; CC and Reno, inspired by the city of Hutchinson; Koda and Yoda, from Disney's "Brother Bear"; and Every ticket purchased counts as a vote for the selected names.

Voting costs $1 per ticket with no limit on purchases. The zoo said multiple votes increase the chances of preferred names winning, with a bonus that one voter will be randomly selected to meet the skunks up close through either a zoo visit, school outreach program or special surprise at a birthday party.

The naming contest runs through Friday, Aug. 30, with winning names to be announced Aug. 30.

The public can vote online at the zoo's website at hutchinsonzoo.org or visit the facility in person. The zoo is located at 6 Emerson Loop East in Carey Park.

The addition of the skunks continues the zoo's expansion of its animal ambassador program, which brings educational programming to schools and community events throughout the region.

For more information about the contest or the zoo's programs, visitors can call 620-694-2672 or email hutchinsonfriendsofthezoo@gmail.com.