Bring on Gecko McGeckoface? The public is being asked to help name a rare jewelled gecko, which now calls Otago Museum home.
The critter was originally smuggled to Germany in 2013, before being rescued and nursed back to health at Wellington Zoo's The Nest Te Kōhanga.
He's now moved into a specially built terrarium at Otago Museum, as he may have been exposed to biosecurity threats on his overseas jaunt and can't be returned to the wild.
While he has been enjoying his new home for several months now, he doesn't have a name yet - and that's where the public comes in.
"The gecko has proved very popular with our visitors, all of whom enjoy learning about its story, lifestyle and cultural significance to local iwi," Otago Museum Living Environments and Science Engagement operations manager Sam Botting said.
People are encouraged to send in their names and reasoning behind the names, with nominations open until 5pm, Friday May 19. The final options will then be put up to a vote between May 29 and June 23.
"The final piece of the puzzle will be giving him a name. I look forward to seeing the entries!" Mr Botting said.
The stakes are more than just pride - the person who submits the winning name will get a family tour of the museum's galleries, $50 vouchers for the museum's shop and café, and a family pass for the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium and Discovery World Tropical Forest.
Newshub.
