Help Name Our NEWEST Furry Friends!
The National Aviary is excited to announce the arrival of TWO stinkin’ cute residents: Striped Skunk sisters…who YOU get to help name during TWO public rounds!
Round One: Submit names (for free)! All round one name suggestions must be submitted by Monday, September 14 at 12 pm EST.
Please review the official contest rules below and submit your names on the Google Form below. There is no cost to submit names during round one!
Submit Name Suggestions
Round Two: After name suggestions are reviewed by our Animal Care Team during round one, six names (three sets of two) will be selected, and the National Aviary will host a paid voting period to determine the official monikers, which will be announced by early October.
Those who suggested their names during round one will have the chance to win a complimentary, private National Aviary Skunk Painting Encounter AND an up-close meet-and-greet with both skunk sisters!
Need naming inspiration? Read more about their story here!
Naming Contest Rules
- Name Guidelines:
- All names must be child-friendly, appropriate, and not violate pre-established copyrights or trademarks. Any names submitted that violate these laws or standards will not be considered.
- All proposed names are subject to National Aviary approval.
- Name suggestions must be submitted via this Google Form; comments on social posts or emails will not be considered official entries. Suggestions must be submitted by 12 pm EST on Monday, September 14 to be considered.
- Submission of a name does not guarantee it will be selected.
- Voting Guidelines:
- During round one, the initial Google Form submission period, all entries are FREE!
- During round two, participants will be able to vote between three naming pairs. For $5*, you get FIVE Votes! Vote as much as you like!
- All tax-deductible donations support the National Aviary’s work to save species and protect their habitats.
- There is a $5* minimum to vote.
- Skunk Painting Encounter and Meet-and-Greet:
- Of those who originally submitted what ends up being the FINAL WINNING name pair in round one, the National Aviary will hold a random drawing to choose who will receive a complimentary, private National Aviary Skunk Encounter Painting AND a meet-and-greet with BOTH skunk sisters for two. Alternate spellings will NOT be taken into account (i.e., Kody vs. Cody).
- The Skunk Painting Encounter is non-transferable, has no cash value, and may not be redeemed for cash, exchanged, or substituted.
- Skunk Painting Encounter participants* must be 10 years of age or older.
- This Encounter may be filmed for promotional purposes related to the contest.
- Miscellaneous:
- By participating, entrants grant the National Aviary permission to use their name and submitted name suggestions in corresponding name contest marketing materials without compensation.
- Open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older; under age 18 must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian*.
- Participation in this contest constitutes acceptance of these Official Rules.
How to Tell Them Apart
It’s not easy to tell them apart at first glance, but these sisters do have their physical differences! The simplest way to identify one from the other is the white stripes atop their heads. One sister’s curves slightly and points towards her left nostril, while the other has a narrow stripe that tapers inward on both sides, reaching a narrow peak. Read more about these gals, including their journey to the Aviary AND individual personalities at the link below!
Meet the Sisters!Ways to Meet Them
Beginning September 9: Meet ONE of the sisters in our Forest Friends: Expert Talk at 1 pm in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater; included with General Admission! Add-on Skunk Painting Encounter at 10:30 am in the Igloo (expected to sell out; book in advance!) to meet the other skunk sister! Both offerings available on days the National Aviary is open.
Wildlife Conservation Matters
Often misunderstood, skunks play a crucial role in their ecosystems by controlling insect and rodent populations. This is beneficial to agriculture as it reduces pest damage to crops. This behavior also helps maintain a balanced food chain, which benefits ground-nesting birds and other wildlife. Additionally, skunks’ foraging activities can expose critical food sources – such as the dispersal of various seeds – that attract seed-eating bird species. Learn more about Striped Skunks here.
All proceeds support the National Aviary’s work to save species and protect their habitats.