Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Zoo officials examine what's in a name for their animals

[Simon Hampel]

Zoo officials examine what's in a name for their animals

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/pmupdate/s_180539.html

Except for the essential differences that few can butter their own toast and most lack opposable thumbs, wild animals are a lot like you and I.
But should they have names?

It's a question being debated right now at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, which is reconsidering a long-standing policy of not naming its inhabitants.

 

[Nigel]

Zoo officials examine what's in a name for their animals

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/pmupdate/s_180539.html

I think it is a good idea to name the animals that have at least some intelligence , or at least name recognition . If there is a large number of primates ( as there is at Wellington zoo ) it makes sense to give them names .
It will be easier to say " Bobby doesnt appear well today " to the vet , rather than" Male chimpanzee M4041 doesnt appear well "
The elephants at Auckland zoo respond to keepers calling them by name .
I am sure that most animals have some sort of bonding with their keepers and knowing individual animals by name will help that bonding .
( I know it wont work for fish , tarantulas etc )
Sim , you discovered first hand that calling that psychotic camel at Wellington zoo by his name ( Cairo ) managed to noticably calm him down . He does recognise " Cairo " as being himself that you are referring to . I doubt if he will recognise " Male Dromedery camel M0023 "

 

[Nigel]

Zoo officials examine what's in a name for their animals

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/pmupdate/s_180539.html

Last night I went to the Pittsburgh zoo website and read it more thoroughly than what appears on the newsclipping .
It appears that the animals have names , but these are known by zoo staff so that members of the public cannot give directions/orders to the animals .