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Meerkats Jasper And Kiki Will Join The Brevard Zoo Family In Time To Celebrate Its 20Th Birthday Celebration
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – After a month-long contest where individuals were invited to cast their votes for their favorite Meerkat names at one of the 15 PNC Bank branches in Brevard County, Brevard Zoo is announcing the names of the alpha male and female Meerkats just in time for its Official 20th Birthday Celebration Weekend, March 15-16.
With 1,200 votes cast, the winning names are Jasper for the alpha male and Kiki for the alpha female. (Tom Brackin image)
DRUMROLL PLEASE…With 1,200 votes cast, the winning names are Jasper for the alpha male and Kiki for the alpha female.
The contest began in January when the Zoo encouraged Facebook fans to suggest names for the Meerkats and collected 400 names. The names were narrowed down to five for each Meerkat by PNC Bank, the presenting sponsor for the Meerkat Exhibit. Voting began in February and ended March 3.
The winning names were announced at a VIP Preview for major donors to the exhibit on March 11 by Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president of eastern Florida.
Cressman Bronson
“PNC Bank is glad to be part of the momentous occasion when Jasper and Kiki and the rest of the Meerkat mob become part of the Brevard Zoo family,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president of eastern Florida. “PNC recognizes the importance of nature and wildlife in the education of young children and we’re looking forward to joining the festivities to commemorate the Zoo’s success for the past 20 years.”
The new exhibit, Meerkat Hamlet, will open during the Zoo’s Official Birthday Weekend on March 15 and 16. The Zoo will be opening to the general public at 9 a.m. both days.
Excitement will reach its peak at 10 a.m. on March 15 as Meerkat Hamlet opens with Keith Winsten, executive director of Brevard Zoo, PNC Bank and other major supporters, participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Expedition Africa will remain closed until the ceremony at 10 a.m.
Visit the Zoo and meet Kiki, Jasper and the rest of the Meerkat mob.
