Little Rock, Arkansas – Animal lovers in Arkansas have a unique opportunity to leave their mark on the Little Rock Zoo as four young cheetahs prepare to make their debut later this month.
The zoo announced that four male cheetahs will soon arrive from Nebraska’s Wildlife Safari Park, bringing new excitement to visitors and staff alike. While all four cats are expected to become part of the zoo family in late June, two of the newcomers still need names—and zoo officials are turning to the community for help.
After gathering ideas and narrowing down the choices, zoo staff have created four potential name pairings and opened the decision-making process to the public. Residents can now cast their votes and help determine what the two cheetahs will be called when they settle into their new home.
The first option, “Bolt and Shikari,” draws inspiration from Olympic sprinting legend Usain Bolt and the Urdu word for “hunter.” Another possibility is “Omari and Enzi,” a pair of Swahili names meaning “high born or of high esteem” and “powerful.”
Fans of classic animated films may be drawn to “Pongo and Rolly,” names inspired by beloved characters from 101 Dalmatians. Meanwhile, those who appreciate speed and energy may favor “Sonic and Blaze,” a pairing influenced by the popular character Sonic the Hedgehog and references to quick movement and bursts of power.
The naming contest gives local residents a chance to become part of the cheetahs’ story before the animals even arrive. It also offers a fun way for the community to engage with the zoo and welcome its newest residents.
Cheetahs are known as the fastest land animals on Earth, capable of reaching remarkable speeds during short bursts of pursuit. The arrival of four young males is expected to be a major attraction for visitors eager to learn more about the species and observe them up close.
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Voting is open now and will continue through Thursday, June 11. Once the results are finalized, the winning names will accompany the cheetahs as they begin their next chapter at the Little Rock Zoo.
For zoo supporters, it is a rare chance to help shape the identity of two of the zoo’s newest stars before they even set foot in Arkansas.
