North Carolina Zoo holds vote to name baby sand cats

Friday, June 30, 2023
ASHEBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- Three brand new animals at the North Carolina Zoo need a name!

The zoo is holding a vote to determine the names of two female and one male sand kitten. The kittens were born on May 11.

Sand cats are adorable looking creatures with big ears, eyes and a petite feline frame. However, zookeepers are quick to tell you that they are wild, ferocious animals that cannot be kept as pets.

The carnivorous cats hunt venomous snakes in the desert and are the only felines to live exclusively in desert environments.

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Anyone wishing to vote on names for the triplets, can click here. You may vote for one male and one female name. The highest vote getting names will be selected.

The poll will be open through July 5 at 4 p.m.

Female names:
  • Cleo: Iconic Queen of Egypt, Greek name meaning "glory of the father"
  • Amira: Arabic name meaning "princess"
  • Cyra: Persian name meaning "sun" or "throne"
  • Safiya: Arabic name meaning "pure" or "friend"
  • Noora: Arabic variation/spelling for name meaning "light" or "the divine light"


Male names:
  • Konshu: Ancient Egyptian god of the moon, god of youth and healing
  • Jabari: Arabic, brave/fearless: Swahili origin meaning "valiant, the brave one, fearless"
  • Horus: Ancient Egyptian god of the sky: Represents qualities such as power and strength
  • Osiris: Ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife: Name derived from the word for "The Mighty One"
  • Ra: Ancient Egyptian god of the sun: King of all deities of ancient Egypt
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