Land rover paramuas big game hunter, the largest land animal in the world, has been named after a Texas wildlife biologist who has been battling a rare, aggressive species of prairie dog since 2010.
In honor of David Wooten, who is credited with naming the creature after him, the land rover has been nicknamed the Big Game Hunter.
Wootecken’s father, Ron, said the animal was named after him because of his love of hunting, wildlife, and natural resources.
He also said Wootes passion for hunting, hunting, and wildlife inspired the name.
The name is an homage to Ron Wootell, who died of prostate cancer in 2016.
The elder Wootells daughter, Ashley Wootel, said it’s a tribute to her father, who was a longtime member of the American Red Cross, the nation’s largest animal rescue organization.
“I think he was very passionate about caring for animals, and I think it was because of the Red Cross that he really cared for animals,” she said.
“He’s really been a huge role model to a lot of people.”
Ashley Wootels father Ron Wotten died in 2016, and she said the family is grateful to the people who helped save the land animal, but they want the name changed to honor him.
She said Ron Woots legacy has been “to have this be an iconic name for all prairie dogs and wildlife, because he was really an inspiration to a whole lot of different people.”
Ron Wooting, who served as director of the Texas Department of Wildlife Resources from 1997 to 2004, was known for his work with the Red Deer Deer Wildlife and Parks Department, which he ran from 1993 to 1999.
Ron Wootens death was a shock to the Wootedys, Ashley said.
They’ve been working on his family’s request for the name to be changed.
The Wootecas are from the Rio Grande Valley in southeastern Texas, which has been experiencing an unusually high number of wildfires in recent months.
Ashley said the ranching family has been working to keep the Woots in good hands, and they plan to continue their work with other groups as well.
She added that the Wottes are looking forward to getting the name out in the wild and helping wildlife.
“This is one of the first times that we’ve actually got a name out there,” she added.
“Hopefully the rest of the world will follow suit and change the name of the land and get it changed.”
For more information about Ron W. Wooting and the Texas Land Rover Team, visit the Texas Wildlife Resources website.
