National Zoo Plays Name That Giant Panda Cub

The National Zoo on Wednesday announced a nationwide contest to choose the name of its giant panda cub.

The China Wildlife Conservation Assn. and zoo officials selected five names to choose from, said Matt O’Lear, a spokesman for Friends of the National Zoo.

One voter will be chosen at random to receive a trip for two to Washington and what zoo officials call a “private visit” with the giant panda family, among other prizes.

The male cub, born July 9, is the first giant panda born at the National Zoo to survive more than a few weeks. The mother, Mai Xiang, and the father, Tian Tian, are on a 10-year loan from China. The cub will be sent to China when it is 2.

Voting on the zoo’s website at www.fonz.org/cubname.htmruns through Sept. 30. The winning name will be announced in October.

The choices:

* Hua Sheng (hwahSHUNG), which means “China Washington” and “magnificent.”

* Sheng Hua (SHUNG-hwah), which means “Washington China” and “magnificent.”

* Tai Shan (tie-SHON), which means “peaceful mountain.”

* Long Shan (lohng-SHON), which means “dragon mountain.”

* Qiang Qiang (chee-ONG chee-ONG), which means “strong, powerful.”

The zoo also is holding a contest for youngsters ages 6 to 14 who create successful campaigns to raise money for the zoo’s Giant Panda Conservation Fund.

Called “Pennies for Pandas,” winning entries will be selected in each of two age groups, 6 to 10 and 11 to 14, based on the campaign that raises the most money and the campaign deemed most creative.