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'Lucas' wins zoo contest for baby elephant’s name

Baby elephant Lucas was born June 3.

The Toledo Zoo’s newest member, the African elephant calf born June 3, is no longer nameless.

The name Lucas has been bestowed upon the baby pachyderm — chosen by more than 5,000 of the 8,000 people who cast votes in a naming contest held by zoo officials.

Lucas, dubbed the keepers’ favorite, honors the longtime support of Lucas County voters. It was one of three choices — the others being Chuck, for the first animal donated to the zoo in 1900, a woodchuck; and Iain, after the African elephant conservationist, Iain Douglas-Hamilton.

Vicki Godsey of Delta, Ohio, was the winner of a one-year zoo membership and a basket of gifts after her name was drawn from winning entries.

The Name the Baby Elephant contest began June 13 and ended June 27. People submitted entries online, in person, or through the mail.

Lucas and his mother, Renee, are available for public viewing daily — with exceptions — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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