Kansas City Zoo Auctions Animal Naming Rights

She’s Ryan Lea and she was born on May 23 – both of them.

Ryan Lea Thomas, the human girl, was born on May 23, 1995, and Ryan Lea, the Grant’s zebra, was born May 23, 2008 at the Kansas City Zoo.

The young zebra filly didn’t have a name until the night of June 6. That night was Jazzoo, the Zoo’s single largest fund-raising event of the year. During Jazzoo, the Zoo auctioned the name of the young zebra and that of a female chimpanzee, born September 1, 2007.

Ryan Lea Thomas’ dad, Jonathan Thomas, was the high bidder for naming the zebra. Thomas, a member of the Zoo’s Board of Directors, thought it only proper since his daughter shared a birthday with the equally spunky zebra. Ryan Lea, the human, couldn’t have agreed more.

“I love going to the Zoo,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun to see animals from all over the world in one location. My parents chose to name the zebra after me because we were both born on the May 23, and I love zebras and giraffes.”

“My husband and I feel that a zoo is an integral part of every vibrant city,” Ryan’s mother, Cyndi Thomas, said. “Kansas City is a first-class city that deserves a first-class zoo. We hope that our contribution elevates the awareness of this city’s unique asset and inspires others to support the Zoo through their attendance or membership.”

The young female chimpanzee was named Cotu, which stands for Center of the Universe. Her naming rights were purchased by Karen and Wes Dixon. Karen Dixon also is a member of the Zoo’s Board of Directors.

More than $75,000 was raised at Jazzoo’s live auction, which included animal naming rights, other items donated by the Zoo and from numerous community sponsors and supporters.

The public can see Ryan Lea – the zebra – and Cotu on exhibit daily in the Zoo’s Africa section. For more information about the Zoo, please go to www.kansascityzoo.org, or call 816-513-5800.