Bidding open to name camel at zoo

Hillcrest Park Zoo has a new resident. Now the female Bactrian camel needs a name.

Zoo officials announced last week a contest in which individuals or businesses may bid for the rights to name the camel.

An online form is at:

http://www.cityofclovis.org/camel

An early contender: Fergie. That bid came in at $22.

The two-hump camel is already making itself at home.

"The Bactrian camel can be seen in the back habitat between the javelina and the elk," said Hillcrest Park Zoo Director Stephanie Chavez. "We are excited to involve the community in naming the camel and are pleased that she has found her forever home in our community."

The camel was born March 25 and comes to Clovis from Greer Farm in Tennessee. She cost $33,000, Chavez said.

Bidding to name her will close at 4 p.m. July 5.

Contest rules:

• The naming rights will be awarded to the highest bidder.

• All proceeds of the contest will benefit the Hillcrest Park Zoo.

• The city of Clovis reserves the right to refuse/reject any name deemed inappropriate.

• The proposed name must be provided to the city of Clovis at the time of the bid.

• No acronyms please.

• Bidders have the right to withdraw their bid at any time during the bid period or if the city of Clovis refuses the proposed name.

Information: 575-763-9670