Stark choice of names for Highlands' new arrival
A new line of succession will live on at a popular Badenoch attraction long after The Game of Thrones has been decided
Two newborn Mishmi takin calves at the Highland Wildlife Park are to be named after characters from the hugely popular TV show now in its eighth and final series.
It continues a tradition started by keepers five years ago when it comes to naming the arrivals.
Four names inspired by the HBO fantasy epic have been selected and now it is down to the public to choose their favourites before voting closes this Sunday night.
The female calf, born to mum Chimi, will be named Brienne or Yara and the male calf, born to mum Arya, will be called either Tyrion or Stark.
Debbie Barclay is hoofstock keeper at the wildlife park by Kincraig and species coordinator for Mishmi takin across Europe.
She said: “We started naming our Mishmi takin calves after Game of Thrones characters five years ago because lots of the keepers were fans of the show.
"In the past we’ve named calves Khaleesi, Snow and Arya.
“They are one of the largest goat-antelope species in the world and it is believed the legend of the golden fleece was inspired by their golden coat.
"Sadly, the wild population, native to India, Myanmar and China, is decreasing due to habitat loss, competition with other species and hunting.
"so it’s reassuring to see our herd doing so well.”
n Votes can be cast at https://woobox.com/zxabst