Baby capybara triplets at Toronto zoo named after Rush
Forget the 40million record sales, seven Grammy Awards and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Rush have been bestowed with the ultimate honour.
Yes, the three offspring of wandering capybaras Bonnie and Clyde at High Park Zoo in Toronto now go by the names of Alex, Geddy and Neil in homage to the Canadian progressive rock heroes.
Born back in February, Friends of High Park Zoo hosted a poll from 31st May to 19th June to decide the name of the ‘capybabies’ and a total of 44,817 people had their say.
Testament to the enduring popularity of Toronto’s prodigal sons, Rush dominated the poll taking the top spot. They faced stiff competition from Snap, Crackle and Pop, and Mocha, Chino and Latte.
Sharing the good news on Rush’s official Instagram page, Geddy Lee wrote: “We are thrilled to hear that 3 cute little furry creatures from South America now bear our names at High Park Zoo in Toronto!
“Thanks to all who voted to give us this special honour! By the way, which one is me? In the picture I saw none of them were wearing glasses....”
Capybaras are the largest rodent on the planet and grow to well over 1 metre in length and can weigh up to 10 stone.
Much loved in their home city, last autumn Rush were given the Freedom of Toronto in recognition of their contribution to music.
Alex and Geddy were personally handed the keys when they opened the Lee Lifeson Art Park, named in their honour, in the Willowdale area of the city on 15th September.
> We are thrilled to hear that 3 cute little furry creatures from South America now bear our names at High Park Zoo in Toronto! Thanks to all who voted to give us this special honour! By the way, which one is me? In the picture I saw none of them were wearing glasses.... - Geddy Lee #babycapybaras > > A post shared by Rush (@rush) on Jun 24, 2017 at 5:23pm PDT