News articles surfaced last night noting that Literary Agent Jillian Manus paid $47,000 for the naming rights and chose to name the Cub after herself. So, we now have a Sumatran Tiger Cub named Jillian.
I know most reading this will say, she paid 47k she can do what she wants, and yes that is true. Money does buy that kind of an attitude. Opinions on the other hand are free.
In my opinion, this is pretty pompous and self-indulgent. High bidders should take this honor to choose a name that has meaning for the particular Animal. I wonder if she has also named all her children and pets after herself?
it's a shame that ms manus has decided to be a narcissist and name the tiger cub after herself. she could have stepped up and given the cub a name it deserves - something descriptive from its native country would have been appropriate and educational - and she would have set a wonderful example to her children and the rest of san francisco. and shame on the zoo for not giving her some names to choose from and using this tiny cub in this way.
ReplyDelete@hazel- Thank you for your comment. I apologize for the delay in reply. Know that your comments are always appreciated! ... I totally agree with your thoughts. I had planned to write a post about Ms Mannus reasons for naming as I found a couple interesting articles that referenced it, but then I decided to just leave it be, BUT then I decided to do another post after visiting Tuesday, so stay tuned for that. I will be including the comments on this post as part of the article because I think you all have had well thought and compassionate positions on the "naming" subject.
DeleteI'm delighted the Zoo got $47,000. I hope they use it to benefit the animals. As for Jillian, I think it is hilarious someone has that much ego. If I didn't know where it came from I would think it was a cute name. Oh well, I never adjusted to Barney for Ike Ozo the (then) little gorills either.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous- Thank you for your comment. I apologize for the delay in reply. Know that your comments are always appreciated! ... I too think its wonderful that they raise a great deal of money at these events, it just seems that that Animals hardly benefit from thsoe funds. Time will tell if this year is different, because in the past I can't say I've seen the use of it as certain Animals are in the same inappropriate living spaces and bored from no constant enrichment stimulation. ... Yes, I too believe that naming an Animal after yourself is not the best one can do. Its not a bad name, it could certainly be worse! I just think it doesn't fit. Like "Kelly", who thankfully was not the high bidder on this auction, who has chosen to re-name (you know my position on RENAMING!) both the Otter and Snow Leopard after herself. Kelly is not a name that would fit any Animal, much like Martha. I didn't know Barney was a rename. I had heard the name Ike Ozo but didn't relaize it was the same Gorilla. Do you know how the name Ike Ozo was chosen?
Deletethe good news is the cub still has a chance at a better name - once it grows up and moves to another zoo i'm sure they'll have a naming contest as well. the name jillian will llong be forgotten. as for the 47k, it will probably be used to benefit children instead of animals. i hope the zoo surprises everyone and uses it to improve animal exhibits!
ReplyDelete@hazel- Thank you for this addition. It is the post that made me think to add these comments as its a very good point and one I had not thought of. Another fine point to what I've always thought, the people who actually go to these events and donate are not true Zoo People. They have no idea about anything at the Zoo. .. I wish the Zoo had to show what the funds are used for. Maybe they do but I have never seen anything in detail. ... I bet part of these funds will go to fund human experiences. I heard even with the extra funds donated a few months ago, there allegedly is still not enough to finish the playground.
DeleteThe words are african, not sure what language, and mean "mighty gorilla" or something like that. Way better than Barney- which raises the image of a pink dinosaur...
Delete@Anonymous- Thank you for the name meaning info. ... I didn't even make the Dino connection, but can see where some would. I just don't think Barney fits any Gorilla. BUT I stil have a major problem with the Zoo calling Oscar Jonesy O.J. for obvious reasons. I think that nickname should be banned from use. I call him Jonesy :)
DeleteI think that these donors should choose names of the countries these animals come from. I have always loved that the lions had African names. Yes, when she is sent to yet another zoo after being taken too soon from Leanne like her boys were, she will again have a name change. And I might add that I tire of the name changes too. The animals get used to one name and then have to respond to another name. My idea is let the donor give a name befitting and then just let the zoo put a plaque up.
ReplyDelete@Lee- Thank you for your comment. I apologize for the delay in reply. Know that your comments are always appreciated! ... I too love the names of origin. Some are lucky to have gotten those kind of names. But, there are some names that are considered commnet that I do think are fine, if they fit. Look at our precious Tony, it fit him. Although I do think he also had another name that I can't remember now or if it was his brith name or a rename. Elly is another one, who I think has a fitting name. I think I might never have gotten bothered by all this if it wasn't for the RENAMING of Tucker. Anyone reading this, please search the blog for this issue. That was really disrespectful. And quicky following, Martha and Boone. AND the Zoo only seems to do this with high profile Animals, so they can get Media attention. Its not based on any compassion for the Animals. Anyway I can go on and on about this subject, nothing will ever change the way they do things in regard to names. YES that was my idea as well that the donors on Animals that already have names be bidding on the rights to sponsor the Animal and a plaque stating such would be at the exhibit.
DeleteDidn't you know? The animals don't know their names. :P Who was it that said that? What a crock. Try walking past Jahari and saying his name and then tell me he doesn't know it! And, all 3 of the rhinos who wiggle their ears when they hear their names. Sigh. I think it could be worse, Jillian is kinda cute. But, Larry and Martha? Good grief.
ReplyDelete@divanicachica- I was told they don't know their names, so I guess that means I SHOULD know it lol! Good Grief, everyone knows thats not true, yet the Zoo Staff will say anything. The place is laden with untruths. Who told me this? Giraffe Keeper Sarah King. Sarah told me this when I asked if they would continue to use Tuckers name behind the scenes after he was renamed. She said no and that they hadn't used it to date. I said it was cruel because this was his given name and he knows it. She laughed and said, "None of the Animals know their names." I was shocked she of all people would say this because she calls the Giraffes by their names. Hypocritical and Ridiculous. In addition to knowing this for myself, I also know a gal who was his Keeper in Topeka who confirmed he knows his name. He will stil respond to Tucker. I whisper it to him and say hi, he always wiggles his ears :) And yes the Rhinos sure do know their names. Elly will do an about face and Gauhati will open his eyes if he's napping. Jahari, I think he waits for the attention. This is a hand raised Cat. He loves it. The whole thing is just another farce put out by the Zoo. ... OH it certainly could be worse than Jillian, read the next Tiger Cub post I make lol! ... Larry and Martha, while named after some rich donors, aer not names of Tigers. I'm sure if Taymor and Shastyuh could talke they'd say "I got your Larry and Martha right here!"
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