Young residents of London are being encouraged to submit name suggestions for two Eurasian beaver kits born this year in Ealing, west London. The initiative invites children between the ages of four and 18 to participate in naming the animals.
The submission window remains open until December 7. Successful names will be selected by a panel comprising representatives from the Ealing Beaver Project and the Office of the Mayor of London.
This birth marks a significant milestone for urban wildlife conservation. A family of Eurasian beavers was originally introduced to Paradise Fields in 2023, marking the first time the species has returned to an urban setting in London in over four centuries.
Elliot Newton, the director of rewilding at the conservation group Citizen Zoo, emphasized the significance of the new arrivals. He stated that the kits serve as evidence that beavers are capable of coexisting with humans in the center of a major city.
Dr. Sean McCormack, the lead of the project, expressed his enthusiasm for the naming contest, noting he looked forward to seeing the creative submissions from children across the capital.
The scheme is a collaborative effort involving Citizen Zoo, the Ealing Wildlife Group, Friends of Horsenden Hill, and Ealing Council. It receives financial support from the mayor’s office.
Organizers highlight that the beavers have contributed to the local environment by creating new wetland habitats, enhancing water quality, and increasing the area’s resilience against both flooding and drought. Paradise Fields is accessible to the public free of charge around the clock.
Individuals wishing to enter can submit their suggestions via the Citizen Zoo website.
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