Canadian Rock Trio Rush Thrilled Toronto's 'Capybaby' Triplets Named After Them

Their time on the lam sparked a giant rodent romance that gave us Neil, Geddy and Alex

Canadian Press, June 24, 2017

Members of the legendary Canadian rock trio Rush are thrilled at the news that the offspring of Toronto's wandering capybaras will bear their names.

"We are thrilled to hear that 3 cute little furry creatures from South America now bear our names!" the band's publicist Meghan Symsyk said on behalf of lead vocalist Geddy Lee.

"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." 

The so-called "capybabies" born in February to the famed escape artists Bonnie and Clyde will be named Alex, Geddy and Neil for the band's members, said the High Park Zoo.

The elder capybaras, which resemble oversized tail-less beavers, became celebrities when they escaped last May and eluded zoo staff and animal detectives for weeks.

Their daring escape led to dozens of sightings. One capybara was eventually caught June 12 and the other remained free until June 28.

The zoo has said the couple credits their "long time apart" for kindling the passion that led to the birth of the three pups.

Coun. Sarah Doucette, whose ward includes High Park, says nearly 45,000 people voted in a contest held to determine the triplets' names.

Runners-up included "Snap, Crackle and Pop", and "Mocha, Chino and Latte."

Doucette says the winning set of names received more than 30,000 votes.