It has been almost 3 months since Singapore welcomed a baby panda born to parents Kai Kai and Jia Jia in the River Wonders (previously River Safari).
Since then, Mandai Wildlife Reserve has asked the public to give suggestions as to what they should name the panda cub.
After collating the responses, they have updated the public about the 5 names they shortlisted, with each name having its own special meaning.
From now (3 Nov) till 11.59pm on Sunday (7 Nov), the public can head over to Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s website to cast the votes on which name they’d like for the cub.
On Wednesday (3 Nov), Mandai Wildlife Reserve took to Facebook to share a special announcement.
After an overwhelming response from the public with suggestions on potential panda cub names, they have narrowed the shortlist down to 5.
Members of the public can now cast their votes on their Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s website to pick which name they prefer for the baby panda.
The voting will be open from Wednesday (3 Nov) to Sunday (7 Nov).
Since pandas names are unique around the world, there are no 2 pandas with the same name. Thus, Mandai Wildlife Reserve could not shortlist names that have already been given to other pandas.
The first name picked is Hong Hong (宏宏), which means magnificence in Mandarin. It also signifies Singapore’s well wishes for the cub to grow up magnificent and healthy.
Next is the name Le Le (叻叻), which is an old Chinese term “Shi Le Po” (石叻坡) meaning Singapore. This name represents Singapore’s beginnings as a trading port. It is also a transliteration of the Malay term “selat”, meaning straits, indicating our geographical location.
Another name that was narrowed down is Xin Le (新乐), which could mean both new boy and Singapore’s joy. It was probably picked since the cub is a new creation and a cause for celebration, especially between Singapore and China.
The fourth possible name for the cub is Xin Yang (新阳), where Xin refers to both new and Singapore, and Yang means the Sun. Since the cub was born on the morning of 14 Aug, Xin Yang would mean Singapore Sun or new Sun, symbolising the brightness and joy his birth brings.
Lastly, Xin Yuan (新缘) was also shortlisted for the baby panda. Yuan means affinity and fate, and also sounds like another word (Yuan 圆) meaning fulfilment. This name was shortlisted as the cub was born after fate brought Kai Kai and Jia Jia together in Singapore.
With 5 meaningful and unique names, it is surely difficult to pick the best one.
However, those who want to vote mustn’t take too long as voting closes at 11.59 pm on Sunday (7 Nov).
We look forward to finding out the final name chosen for Singapore’s baby panda. However, we’re sure whatever name is picked, he will still be well-loved by all.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
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