Vote to name the Buffalo Zoo’s male ocelot kitten

As our male ocelot kitten continues to get comfortable with his new habitat, it’s about time we give him a name — and we’re asking our Buffalo Zoo community to help out!

Our animal care team has chosen five name options for our ocelot kitten, and now, anyone can vote for their favorite to decide what his name will be!

The five options are:

• Paulo
• Bruno
• Copal
• Kusi
• Luciano (Luca)

Voting is now open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, with the winning name being officially announced the next day, Aug. 12.

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

Learn more about each name:

Paulo

• Meaning “small” or “humble”
• Origin: Latin, derived from Paulus
• Note: Common in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking cultures; conveys modesty and gentleness

Bruno

• Meaning: “Brown”; also associated with “armor” or “protection”
• Origin: Germanic
• Note: Historically linked to strength and defense, possibly due to the brown garments of monks and warriors.

Copal

• Meaning: A type of aromatic tree resin
• Origin: Nahuatl (copalli)
• Note: Used in spiritual ceremonies by Mesoamerican cultures (such as the Maya and Aztecs) for cleansing, offering, and connecting with the divine.

Kusi

• Meaning: “Joyful” or “happy”
• Origin: Indigenous Quechua language of the Andes
• Note: Reflects a positive, uplifting spirit, often used in names to bless a child with happiness.

Luciano (Luca)

• Meaning: “Bringer of light” or “light”
• Origin: Latin (lux, lucis meaning “light”)
• Note: A timeless name associated with enlightenment, clarity, and warmth. “Luca” is a common diminutive.

Our ocelot kitten, born May 13 to mom Anahi (9) and dad Salvador (14), has shown positive signs as he continues to grow. Born at just over a ¼ pound, this beautiful boy is now over 5 pounds of pure pouncing and climbing muscle. Under mom’s watchful and overprotective eyes, he’s climbing, balancing, and showing off his newly developed skills behind the scenes. He is slowly being introduced to his exhibit and will have limited access daily, though Mom is still very cautious about his being out and about.

As highly adaptable nocturnal cats, this little one is most active in the late afternoon. When you see him, take note of his large eyes that are made for stalking and hunting in the night. That said, the only hunting this one needs to do is chase his favorite toys and balls as the keepers are keeping him active and stimulated with enrichment. As he soon makes his public debut, it’s important to recognize the hard work of our staff, who created a safe, positive environment for the kitten and Anahi every day.

While ocelots as a whole are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to their strong populations in Central and South America, there are major worries about their decreasing numbers in the southwestern United States due in part to habitat fragmentation and loss, road mortality, poisoning, and illegal hunting for their stunning fur coats.