The National Aviary wants your help naming its two new skunk sisters.
The pair of striped skunks, born in the spring, arrived at the aviary in Pittsburgh over the summer. The skunks are nearly identical, though the white stripes along the top of their heads are unique, with one reaching a narrow point while the other curves toward one side of her nose.
Here's how you can help name them.
How can I see the National Aviary's skunks?
The two skunk sisters were born on April 20 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where their mom, Lily, is an animal ambassador, according to the aviary.
The two sisters spent the first few months of their lives with their siblings, and now they're living behind-the-scenes at the National Aviary. Still, guests can see them beginning Sept. 9 as part of the new
Forest Friends: Expert Talk, which is included with general admission. For an additional cost, they can also be seen during the Skunk Painting Encounter, which brings each guest up close and gives them the chance to feed one of the sisters treats as she paints a black-and-white canvas for them to take home.
How do I submit names for the National Aviary's new skunks?
Name submissions can be submitted through the National Aviary's Google Form. Names must be kid-friendly and appropriate. They also can't violate any copyrights or trademarks.
Does it cost anything submit names for the National Aviary's skunks?
No, it's free to submit name suggestions for the National Aviary's skunks during round one.
To vote on name suggestions during round two, there's a $5 minimum donation requirement.
What's the deadline to submit names for the National Aviary's skunks?
Name suggestions must be submitted via the National Aviary's Google Form by 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, Sept. 14.
If you miss the deadline, don't worry — you'll be able to vote for pairs of names in round two.
If the National Aviary picks my name suggestion, do I win anything?
Potentially. At the end of round one, the National Aviary will pick three sets of names to be voted on in round two. If your entry is included in any of the pairings, you'll be part of a random drawing for the chance to win a complimentary, private National Aviary Skunk Painting Encounter and an up-close meet-and-greet with both skunk sisters.
When will the National Aviary name its skunks?
After members of the public vote on names for the skunks, the final titles for the sisters will be announced by early October.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can name National Aviary's new skunks, but there's a deadline
