Union Football Club First Team Players' Naming Process
This Saturday marks a special day at the Berlin Zoo, as they celebrate World Red Panda Day with the arrival of two new cubs. The names of these adorable additions, Lisa Hari and Freddy Kumar, have a unique story behind them.
The names were chosen from over 700 suggestions, following a collaboration between the Berlin Zoo and 1. FC Union Berlin. A three-person jury, consisting of representatives from Union Berlin's board, the zoo's zoology department, and the social media team, made the final decision.
Lisa Hari's name was inspired by Lisa Heiseler, the 2024 Union Player of the Year. The name Hari, meaning 'golden/sun' in the language of the Red Panda's native lands, adds a fitting touch. Similarly, Freddy Kumar's name was derived from Frederik Rönnow, the 2024 Union Player. Kumar, meaning 'prince' in the same language, is a regal choice for the young Red Panda.
The Red Panda species, critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), faces numerous threats in its natural habitat, which lies in northern India and the mountainous regions of Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, and China. The birth of these cubs is a significant contribution to the preservation of the species, as stated by Tierpark and Zoo Director Andreas Knieriem.
It's worth noting that Red Pandas belong to the family of raccoon dogs and are not directly related to giant pandas, despite their shared name.
- FC Union Berlin's 'UNION VEREINT. Shoulder to Shoulder' foundation has been the official godfather of the Red Pandas at the zoo for five years. This partnership not only provides financial support but also raises awareness about the conservation of these fascinating creatures.
The names Lisa Hari and Freddy Kumar are a testament to this collaboration and the shared commitment to preserving the Red Panda species. As these cubs grow, they will undoubtedly become beloved figures at the Berlin Zoo, symbolising hope for the future of the Red Panda population.
