National contest to name Washington panda

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A nationwide contest of panda lovers will determine the name of the giant panda cub at Washington's National Zoo.

The name of the male cub, born July 9, will come from among five choices -- and panda fans have until Sept. 30 to vote via the zoo's Web site, the Washington Post said Thursday.

Friends of the National Zoo, the zoo's nonprofit support organization, said the winners get a special tour of the Panda House. The group also is holding a fundraising contest for youngsters and those winners get a special visit to see the new cub, too.

The five panda names were selected by the China Wildlife Conservation Association and the zoo.

They include, with pronunciations: Hua Sheng (hwah SHUNG), which means "China Washington" and "magnificent;" Sheng Hua (SHUNG hwah), "Washington China" and "magnificent;" Tai Shan (tie SHON), "peaceful mountain."

Also, Long Shan (lohng SHON), "dragon mountain," and Qiang Qiang (chee-ONG chee-ONG), "strong, powerful."