Elmwood Park Zoo wants your help naming its baby ocelot. Here's how to vote

A few weeks ago, we told you about the birth of an ocelot at Elmwood Park Zoo.

Well, now you get the chance to pick the purrrfect name for this beautiful baby!

The female cub was born on Feb. 1, 2026, to parents Rio and Mateo.

Zoo officials said Rio, a first-time mother, gave birth naturally despite going through a high-risk scenario. Since the ocelot was born, the zoo has implemented a strict low-disturbance protocol to support the mother and baby.

According to the zoo, ocelots are solitary by nature, and mothers will hide their babies to give them the best chance at survival. Staff said that meant trusting Rio completely.

Now, this baby is ready to be named, and the zoo’s animal care staff curated a list of potential names.

These are the top three names that the public can choose from:

• Fia (means “wild” in Celtic/Portuguese)
• Lucia (means “light/born at daybreak” in Portuguese)
• Yara (means “water lady/ water nymph” in Brazilian culture, and “strength/courage” in Persian)

Enter your vote here.

The zoo will be announcing the winner in the upcoming days.