Jean and Amelia early contenders for chick’s name

THE moniker of New Zealand aviator Jean Batten is a strong contender among suggested names for Taiaroa Head’s young albatross webcam star.

The Department of Conservation received 481 entries suggesting names for the chick in a competition which closed earlier this week.

It is the third year the depart ment has run a naming competition for royal cam chicks.

As the webcam chick ventured further from its nest than other chicks, all names submitted needed to fit a ‘‘female explorers’’ theme.

The name Amelia, presumably referencing American aviator Amelia Earhart, was suggested 63 times. Another entry was the Maori variation Amiria.

Another 50 recommended versions of the name Jean Batten, who is celebrated as New Zealand’s greatest aviator.

Doc threatened species ambassador Nicola Toki said ‘‘great minds do think alike’’ after many similar suggestions.

Other names included references to adventure such as Kiri Maia, and Hine Toa referred to a strong, courageous female.

Taiaroa Head manager of operations Hoani Langsbury said the competition increased engagement between people and the birds.

He had his own ideas for names, but did not want to be ‘‘seen as influencing’’, he said.

The chick was ‘‘quite adventurous’’, and would be soon be heading towards Chile on a five to sixyear ‘‘OE’’, he said.

‘‘She’ll be well informed by the time she comes back here.’’

For the first time, the sex of the chick was already known because of DNA testing of the contents of the hatched egg shell.

The Pukekura Comanagement Trust will now narrow the list to five names, on which the public will be able to vote.

The names will be announced on Tuesday, June 19.

The person who suggests the chosen name will win flights, accommodation and Dunedin scenic tours.