Meet Emanti: Vote determines name of newest African elephant calf at San Diego zoo

Meet Emanti: Voters pick SD elephant calf’s name

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — A 3-month-old African elephant has been named Emanti, which means water in Siswati, the language of Swaziland.

Emanti is one of eight African elephants born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the past six years to a herd of eight rescued from Swaziland.

A public vote scored the calf his name. Elephant keeper Curtis Lehman says it is perfect because Emanti likes water so much and plays with the hoses used in the 3-acre elephant habitat.

More than 1,000 names were suggested on the park’s website and keepers chose three finalists, then the public voted.

The name was unveiled by the herd as they removed tree boughs, which they consider a treat, from a rock formation where the young elephant’s name was painted.

Online:

www.sandiegozoo.org

Information from: North County Times, www.nctimes.com