Home / Lifestyle / Sloth's New Name Honors Teen's Memory
Sloth's New Name Honors Teen's Memory
20 Jul
Summary
- Baby sloth named Beany after a zoo-wide naming contest.
- The contest raised $15,745 for zoo animal care.
- The name honors Brenton 'Beany' Gaudreault, who died at 15.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo has welcomed a new resident, a baby sloth officially named Beany. This naming followed a months-long contest initiated shortly after Beany's birth on May 13. The initiative not only engaged the public but also functioned as a successful fundraiser.
More than 1,000 names were suggested, and the fundraising effort yielded $15,745 in donations to support the zoo's animals. The name Beany emerged as the public's favorite with 347 votes. This name is particularly meaningful as it pays tribute to Brenton Gaudreault, a 15-year-old who loved sloths and passed away in June after a prolonged fight with osteosarcoma.
Brenton's mother submitted the name Beany, a nickname affectionately given to her son by his family. Friends and family actively participated in voting and donating to ensure the name's victory. The zoo hopes that Beany the sloth will serve as a symbol to raise awareness for childhood cancer and to commemorate Brenton Gaudreault's memory.
