Help Name the National Zoo’s Baby Black-Footed Ferret
For 30 years the Zoo has helped breed hundreds of ferrets, but one of the most recent additions is in need of a name
- By Joseph Stromberg
- Smithsonian.com, October 21, 2011, Subscribe
With a face every mother surely would love, one of the Zoo’s newest black-footed ferrets, born April 15 to mother Jambalaya and father Lido at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Campas in Front Royal, Virginia, was given a name by Smithsonian.com readers in an online poll.
Find out the winning name at the Around the Mall blog
Today, the six-month-old spends her time playing with the web camera, though the keepers describe her as shy. Because of her outstanding genetic makeup, she’ll become one of the Zoo’s breeding ferrets, a progenitor of multiple youngsters (possibly up to 12), who will eventually be released into the wild to restore natural populations.
Smithsonian.com and the Zoo partnered to bring readers the opportunity to select from four symbolic names chosen by the animal’s keepers, including Meeteetse, where the last population was found, as well as Rosebud, Shirley and Cheyenne, locations in South Dakota and Wyoming where black-footed ferrets bred in captivity are released back into the wild.
More than half-a-million black-footed ferrets once roamed across the Great Plains, from Canada to Mexico. But during the 20th century, the population was decimated after a misguided management plan rapidly killed off of the black-footed ferret’s primary food source, the prairie dog. Disease and predation furthered their decline and by the mid-1980s, the species was thought to be extinct. In 1981, however, a small population of 24 was found in Wyoming and researchers decided to round up the remaining few and bring them into captivity.
Less than 30 years later, the black-footed ferret recovery is a scientific success story. Researchers have slowly made strides in breeding the creatures through both natural and artificial means—in 2010 alone, a whopping 50 ferrets were born at the Zoo’s Front Royal facility.
In total, 670 ferrets have been bred at the Zoo, with more than 220 successfully released after graduating from “ferret boot camp,” an arduous survival-training course in Colorado where they learn to deal with the elements and survive in the wild. The wild population now stands at 1,000.
You can watch antics of the young female on the Ferretcam.
Here are the four names that were considered for the ferret.
Meeteetse: The last known population of 24 wild ferrets was found at Meeteetse, Wyoming.
Rosebud: The Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, is one of the wild-release sites for ferrets bred in captivity.
Shirley: Shirley Basin, Wyoming, is another one of these sites.
Cheyenne: The Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota, is yet another release site.
Voting is now closed.
Subscribe now for more of Smithsonian's coverage on history, science and nature.
Comments (76)
i think Archie if you got a guy to mate with her like the comic. i betty or veronica for her because they ar the girl's names in the comic.
Posted by susanfecht on April 10,2013 | 09:59 AM
so cute its name should be snuggles
Posted by emily chester on March 4,2013 | 03:19 PM
i think Black Feet, Odd Boots or Suci. The name Suci means sacred. It will be perfect because black footed ferrets are in danger of extinction.
Posted by Alyssa Devereaux on April 10,2012 | 12:19 PM
Looks like a FERGIE to me!
Posted by KK on November 19,2011 | 07:32 PM
Eleanor is a perfect name for this little fuzzy...
Posted by Elizabeth Tapp on November 15,2011 | 10:47 PM
I think oreo because it loOks like an Oreo cause of it's color
Posted by Carissa on November 14,2011 | 06:47 PM
I'd prefer name Dukie or Em's
Posted by Mergen on November 9,2011 | 05:01 AM
Only four choices? And none of them as good as Bueller, as in Ferret Bueller.
Posted by Harold Freeman on November 7,2011 | 09:28 PM
Fudgefoot
Posted by Jean Simmons on November 6,2011 | 01:55 PM
The name should be "Siksika" (the indian name for the Blackfoot people)
Posted by Joe Cline on November 6,2011 | 07:19 AM
She's very cute. I vote for Cheyenne or I guess you could call her “Annie” for short.... or "Cheney"?
Naawww, too political.
Posted by Jodi on November 5,2011 | 03:14 PM
Frodo - since they like to live and hunt underground
Posted by Cheryl Frazier on November 5,2011 | 12:04 PM
I think Felicia would have been sweet. The name means lucky, fortunate, happy. I hope she is all three.
Posted by Alys on November 5,2011 | 05:34 AM
I think Cheyenne would be an appropriate name.
Posted by Milly Balzarini on November 4,2011 | 11:13 PM
I think this Ferret should be named "Bandit" because it looks like it's getting ready to rob a food bank.
Posted by Darryl A. Clarke on November 4,2011 | 08:53 PM
I came on site late, but Spooky Boots would have been nice.
Posted by Pat McIntosh on November 4,2011 | 02:51 PM
My wife likes whiskers and I like bandit
Posted by Dennis Curran on November 4,2011 | 02:27 PM
YEAH!!! Rosebud -- I am so happy she has an official name now! Won't have to just call her my little cutie. I wish I was there to help take care of her. I can't wait to watch her grow. They all have their own little personalities and are as different from each other as we are. Yes -- I have a life -- but this webcam really brightens my work day. Thanks so much for sharing their lives with us.
Posted by Alana on November 4,2011 | 01:08 PM
I think Dusty would bee a good name I had a cat that looks like her and her name was dusty.
Posted by Jessica Wisman on November 4,2011 | 12:13 PM
You should name the Ferret Judith, it looks like a Judith to me.
Posted by N on November 4,2011 | 12:11 PM
I would name it Ferrell, for Will Ferrell, who was just awarded for his comedy. Doesn't "Ferrell" have a devilish smile-like expression, just like Will?
Posted by Marion Mendelson on November 4,2011 | 10:43 AM
Awe....what a sweetie. I think she looks like a Zoey. Love me some ferrets.
Posted by LeeAnn Duch on November 4,2011 | 10:10 AM
How about naming her: "Foot Foot" Of course, it's too late....
Posted by Pamela Ferguson on November 4,2011 | 08:23 AM
A bettername would have "Yup Yup".
Posted by Richard Joseph D'Aiuto on November 4,2011 | 04:31 AM
I voted for Rosebud.....but I really wanted to suggest a name of my own. I didn't really care for any of the choices offered My suggestion for a name is "Mimi", it seems to fit her small size and big eyes.
Mimi
Posted by Karyn Miller on November 4,2011 | 03:40 AM
I'd like to suggest the Cajun word 'Lagniappe' meaning a little something extra. Since the mother is Jambalaya, another Cajun word it would fit and this beautiful ferret is certainly a 'little something special.'
Posted by Larry Purcell on November 3,2011 | 02:17 AM
ferret Fawcett
Posted by capnDave on November 3,2011 | 08:59 PM
I WAS GOING TO NAME HER BRIGHT EYES, BECAUSE SHE HAS SUCH BRIGHT EYES.
Posted by EVELYN W. THOMPSON on November 3,2011 | 08:02 PM
I was going to suggest Fergie because this little one looks like she will be a princess. Since that's not on the list, I will vote for Shirley in honor of my late mother who loved animals.
Posted by Dorothy on November 3,2011 | 06:28 PM
We decided Shirley, because Shirley Temple was a tap dancer and the Ferret has black feet like she is wearing tap shoes!!
Posted by Jean and Paige on November 3,2011 | 06:26 PM
I watch the ferrets and other cams all day at work
Posted by pam simon on November 3,2011 | 06:25 PM
Name ferret "Slinky"
Posted by maureen on November 3,2011 | 06:06 PM
The name should be Bourré (also commonly known and pronounced and sometimes spelled as "Boo-Ray" ) is a trick-taking gambling card game typically played in the French Acadiana region of Louisiana but can also represent the playful attitude of the Ferret.
Posted by Kirk on November 3,2011 | 05:47 PM
We would like the name "Future" in Lakota= Thokata Pronounced "Toe-ka-ta", but Rosebud will do.
Posted by Heidi & Jeff on November 3,2011 | 05:35 PM
Although I voted for Cheyenne but I thought Louise would be a nice name.
Posted by Robert Massaro on November 3,2011 | 05:00 PM
I don't care for any of them. I suggest Peek-A-Boo
Posted by Sandy Howard on November 3,2011 | 04:46 PM
Named after my daughter Elizabeth's Godmother Shirley.
Posted by RICHARD THOMAS on November 3,2011 | 04:33 PM
darn , I wanted to suggest a name for her:
KEMO SABE since she looks like the "Lone Ranger"
Posted by Nelson Rhodus on November 3,2011 | 04:20 PM
I like the name Liah, it is so feminine and she certainly looks the name.
Posted by Marilyn A Winkelman on November 3,2011 | 04:08 PM
I think a name that fits is "Bandi"
Posted by Chuck on November 3,2011 | 04:05 PM
Looks like it has a mask, reminding me of the Lone Ranger so I wanted the name Tonto. Found out it was female so I changed to Tonta. Voted for Shirley. Very sweet looking animal.
Posted by Anne on November 3,2011 | 03:53 PM
I picked her as a Rosebud but I'd prefer a name such as Rainbow or Leaf....
Nevertheless, these animals are beautiful and whatever we name them, they are very cute!
Regards,
Kick
The Netherlands
Posted by Kick on November 3,2011 | 02:24 PM
How could she possibly be named anything other than Rosebud?
Posted by Sandra Parshall on November 3,2011 | 09:08 AM
I think her name should be IRiS, since she was born on April 15. Just saying
Posted by DCNative611 on November 3,2011 | 09:03 AM
Cheyenne! Because she's from Wyoming!
Posted by LMac on November 2,2011 | 10:10 PM
She is adorable. I decided I liked Cheyenne. I think she should be called Pitty Pat. I love the ferrets and the ferret cam!
Posted by lford on November 2,2011 | 04:39 PM
Why wasn't Felicia considered? She's a pretty sweet looking little filly.
Posted by Pat Smith on November 2,2011 | 04:34 PM
I think it should be named Ferret Fawcett. She is a very nice looking ferret.
Posted by Nancy on November 2,2011 | 03:27 PM
I think she looks like a Rose in bloom with that warm wonderful look So we choose Rosebud
Posted by Barbara on November 2,2011 | 03:21 PM
Since she was born on April 15th, I thought you might name her IRiS, which is a lot easier to SAY, too :) and doesn't connect her to any one PLACE, either. Thanks.
Posted by Jan on November 2,2011 | 02:22 PM
I voted for cheyenne because it makes me think of the spirit of the west and she is a native american just like the Cheyenne.
Posted by sharon on November 2,2011 | 12:48 PM
great minds think alike, before i read the comments, i went with rosebud ;-)
Posted by donna on November 2,2011 | 12:18 PM
I would've loved to call her Sara.
Posted by kristina smalley on November 2,2011 | 11:47 AM
Of the choices you gave us, I like Cheyenne the best. Shirley is a really common name and it doesn't suit a wild animal. Meeteesee is unusual and would probably confuse people about why it was chosen. Rosebud is just too precious. This ferret may be a kit now, but she will soon be a full grown animal that requires a name that pays homage to her heritage and dignifies her existance.
I noticed some of the names offered were not on the list. Is the list hard and fast? Next time, it might be fun if you gave us more information about the animal (like you did about the names you chose), some criteria for selection, and then help US generate a list that YOU can vote for.
Posted by Brenda W. Elmore on November 2,2011 | 11:16 AM
Meeteesee or the correct spelling. Since that is why we have ferrets in the wild today. Linda
Posted by LInda on November 2,2011 | 11:14 AM
she is a rosebud thats her name okay hey zookeeper rosebud is her name!:D :P
Posted by Maria on October 31,2011 | 10:12 AM
I voted for the name rosebud because she is sweet and adorable she is a really sweet animal i hope my name wins!
Posted by Maria on October 31,2011 | 10:06 AM
Could the software on the web cam please be updated so more people can watch it? It doesn't work at all from most mobile devices (which is how so many people access the web now), and only through tricks can I get it to play on my Mac.
I'm sure this little girl's audience will grow if newer software is used!
Thank you!
Posted by Linda on October 30,2011 | 11:43 AM
I think the ferret name should be "Duey" !! <=
Posted by DeEtta on October 29,2011 | 04:21 PM
She's a Rosebud for sure...watch her bloom!
Posted by Donna on October 29,2011 | 03:17 PM
My 3 year old son Alexander recommends the name Wyomee since the ferret is from Wyoming.
Posted by Paul on October 28,2011 | 09:37 PM
I think she should be named Shirley because Shirley Basin is one of the sites and it is a cute name!
Posted by Ruby Farber on October 27,2011 | 10:57 AM
Why Meeteesee of course! If not for them being found there 30 years ago, the 1,000 that are in the wild now would not be here.
Posted by Amber Travsky on October 26,2011 | 10:58 PM
Hi,
How about quite another name.
I thought "Beagle Girl" after Disneys "Beagle Boy Inc." ?
She definetly looks like a familymember. :D
Posted by Heike Dixon on October 26,2011 | 04:43 PM
I think they should name it Primrose
Posted by Ava Sharifi on October 26,2011 | 04:18 PM
I picked Cheyenne because I absolutely love that name (its what my cat is named!)
Posted by Sam on October 26,2011 | 03:38 PM
I voted for Rosebud. I had a Ferret once and they don't smell the best, but sweet as a Rose
Posted by Shana Ice on October 25,2011 | 07:11 PM
i voted for Cheyenne because im with my friend Cheyenne, and i jokingly said that the ferret looks like her, then i scrolled down and saw it as a name choice, vote Cheyenne!!
Posted by paige on October 25,2011 | 06:18 PM
she's a cutie, so i went with rosebud.
Posted by jeff on October 25,2011 | 03:50 PM
Look at that precious lil face!! She's a Rosebud for sure!
Posted by Hazel on October 25,2011 | 02:53 PM
I am so excited to know I'll be watching another mommy (Rosebud?) thru her pregnancy and taking care of her babies.
I remember watching Georgia and her male kit, Peanut, in June 2008. That was my first experience with the webcam.
I watch every single day. And no matter how bad my day is at work, my ferrets cheer me up.
I have to admit, I'm very sad the day the kits leave their mom and the nesting box, but I know that you are succeeding in bringing back the black-footed ferret population, and that's wonderful.
Thanks for letting us all share in this moment in black-footed ferret history.
Posted by Alana on October 25,2011 | 02:42 PM
Since she has black feet, how about Tar Heel!
Posted by Tom Bush on October 25,2011 | 12:38 PM
I voted for the name, "Cheyenne" because the keepers mentioned that she is "shy." (Pretty corny, huh?)
Posted by Cheryl Renee' Pitt on October 25,2011 | 08:38 AM
I am going to have to go and update the information about the black-footed ferret on camera on my blog. She is adorable.
Posted by Amy Casner on October 24,2011 | 07:54 PM
It should be named Sikasika which in the Black feet language means black foot!
Posted by Jim Gordon on October 24,2011 | 07:01 PM
It would be nice to name an animal native to America after a Native American tribe.
Posted by Lily Stejskal on October 24,2011 | 05:43 PM