Amma and Chad are the names of the two visiting giraffes at the Seneca Park Zoo. Out of over 970 entries submitted, Kristy Evans’ proposed names were chosen as the winning names. The first runner-up, Jonathan Miller, submitted Stars and Stripes as his names, and the second runner-up, Julia LaJuett, of Hilton (center), submitted Ruby and Diamond as hers.

Visiting giraffes

Amma and Chad are the names of the two visiting giraffes at the Seneca Park Zoo, according to representative of ELS Federal Credit Union, sponsors of the visit and a contest to give the animals temporary names. Out of over 970 entries submitted, Kristy Evans' proposed names were chosen as the winning names. The first runner-up, Jonathan Miller, submitted Stars and Stripes as his names, and the second runner-up, Julia LaJuett, of Hilton, submitted Ruby and Diamond as hers.

"I picked these names because giraffes come from Africa and these are African names," said Kristy Evans, a fifth grader from Henry W. LongFellow No. 36. "Amma means friendly and Chad means strong."

ESL invited all Rochester area elementary school students to submit their "tall ideas" and name Seneca Park Zoo's summer guests - two Rothschild giraffes. Representatives from ESL, the Seneca Park Zoo, and Dixon Schwabl Advertising chose the winning names on the basis of creativity and originality.

As part of the grand prize, ESL hosted Kristy's entire class to the Seneca Park Zoo, including transportation to and from the zoo, admission, and lunch. Furthermore, Kristy will also be a Seneca Park Zoo Keeper for a day; receive a season pass to Roseland Waterpark; and take home a 6 ft. plush giraffe. Jonathan Miller, from Leary Elementary, received a $100 U.S. savings bond and Julia LaJuett, from Northwood Elementary, received a $50 U.S. savings bond, both given by ESL.