Prepare to be amazed by the newest addition at Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee. On July 31, a baby giraffe was born with a twist – she is completely solid in color! This rare phenomenon makes her the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe in the world. The last time a spotless giraffe was born was way back in 1972 in Tokyo, and she was named Toshiko.
The little one is thriving under the care of her mother and already stands tall at 1.82 meters (6 feet). Now, the exciting part – Brights Zoo is asking for your help in naming this extraordinary giraffe. Head over to their Facebook page and cast your vote!
“The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation. Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40% of the wild giraffe population lost in just the last three decades,” said Tony Bright, founder of Bright’s Zoo, in a statement sent to IFLScience.
In the wild, reticulated giraffes can be found in small populations in Kenya, with limited numbers believed to roam in Somalia and south Ethiopia. Due to their fragmented distribution, they are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Their spotted coat not only helps them blend into the savannah vegetation but also acts as a cooling system, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. The dark spots aid in regulating their body temperature as they have large sweat glands underneath them, and the arrangement of blood vessels around the spots is unique to each giraffe. These patterns are believed to be inherited from their mothers.
“Bright’s Zoo is actively joining the fight to save giraffes by not only donating to worthy organizations like Save Giraffes Now, which works in Africa to preserve these gentle giants, but also contributing to the genetic diversity and survival of the species through their own highly successful breeding program in Tennessee,” continued Bright.
You have the power to name this one-of-a-kind giraffe! Visit Brights Zoo’s Facebook page and cast your vote. The options have been narrowed down to four names: Kipekee, meaning “unique”; Firyali, meaning “unusual” or “extraordinary”; Shakiri, meaning “she is most beautiful”; and Jamella, meaning “one of great beauty”. Voting is open until September 4, when the name will be announced.
