Fort Worth Zoo's Baby Elephant Named 'Belle'

FORT WORTH (AP) - An elephant born at the Fort Worth Zoo has been named Belle.

Zoo spokeswoman Alexis Wilson said Thursday that Belle was the overwhelming favorite after the public was invited to vote on six possible names recommended by the zoo staff.

The Asian elephant was born July 7 at the zoo.

Belle is short for Bluebell, a wildflower found throughout Texas. Her 14-year-old sister is named Bluebonnet, or "Bonnie."

Zoo patrons voted on social media and at the elephant exhibit. Wilson tells the Fort Worth Star-Telegram the contest received 9,820 votes, and "Belle" got 2,875 votes, about 29 percent.

Wilson says Belle weighed 330 pounds at birth and has been adding about 3 pounds a day.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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