Bright’s Zoo in Limestone is holding a naming contest for the world’s rarest giraffe that was born at the zoo last month.
A female giraffe was born on July 31 at Bright’s Zoo without the iconic spots that define the species.
According to a press release, giraffe experts believe the new baby is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere in the world. Bright’s Zoo says the last record of a giraffe being born without its trademark spots was in 1972 in Tokyo.
Bright’s Zoo is hoping the new giraffe’s birth will help bring attention to giraffe conservation. Bright’s Zoo is actively joining the fight to save giraffes by donating to conservation organizations, as well as contributing to the genetic diversity and survival of the species through their own very successful breeding program.
The staff at Bright’s Zoo is looking for name suggestions from the public for the new baby giraffe. The zoo has narrowed the contest down to four names: Kipekee meaning “unique,” Firyali meaning “unusual or extraordinary,” Shakiri meaning “she is most beautiful,” or Jamella meaning “one of great beauty.” Anyone wanting to vote on the baby giraffe’s name can visit the Bright’s Zoo Facebook page.
