Kipekee, Friyali or Jamella? Tennessee zoo wants public to help name 'spotless' baby giraffe
LIMESTONE, TENNESSEE: A rare baby giraffe born at a Tennessee zoo is in search of a name. The unnamed infant, claimed by the zoo management as the only such spotless giraffe in the world, was born on July 31.
Where was baby giraffe born?
A video of the newborn calf shows her mother caring for her as she plays with her and makes her public entrance. After learning how rare she was, Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee, unveiled the baby giraffe to the world and is asking the public's help in naming the animal.
The zoo, located about 80 miles east of Knoxville, said in a statement, "Giraffe experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet."
Although there have been other spotless calves born before, none of them has the new baby's brown fur coat. Unlike the new six-foot-tall Tennessee calf, most spotless giraffes are born with an entirely white body.
While the unique newcomer is still in her mother's care, the zoo has begun introducing her to visitors. She is "thriving," according to officials. Tony Bright, the founder of the zoo, claims that experts have not been able to determine why the baby giraffe is this colour.
What is unique about this baby giraffe?
Bright said in a statement, "The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation."
Regardless of color, he hopes that the new giraffe's appeal will draw attention to the danger many giraffe breeds face.
The statement adds, "Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40 percent of the wild giraffe population lost in just the last 3 decades."
What is the population of giraffes?
According to the zoo, the population of reticulated giraffes, which includes the new baby, has decreased from 38,000 in 2008 to 18,000 in 2018.
The baby still has no name, which Brights Zoo is hoping the public will help change. Four names are available for fans to choose from in a poll, with the name receiving the most support winning.
According to Brights Zoo, the names all make reference to Swahili, the language used in Eastern Africa, where reticulated giraffes like this calf are native of, as reported by DailyMail.
What will be the name of giraffe: Kipekee, Friyali, Sakiri or Jamella?
There are four options: Kipekee, which means special; Friyali, which means extraordinary; Shakiri, which means she is most beautiful; or Jamella, which means one of great beauty.