Zoo announces birth of world’s rarest giraffe that is the only one of its type

Story by Yelena Mandenberg

A Tennessee Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a very special baby giraffe by hosting a public contest searching for the perfect name to give to the world’s only spotless member of the species.

The spotless baby giraffe was born in Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee last month. In fact, zoo officials say the new baby is the world’s only spotless giraffe at all – and the rare animal is on display now.

The young sold-colored giraffe is already six feet tall and doing great, according to zoo officials. She’s under the care of her mother and the zoo’s caretakers. When she grows up, she’ll be between 1,200-2,500 lbs.

spotless baby giraffe© Brights Zoo

“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 3 decades,” said Tony Bright, the founder of Brights Zoo.

For the naming contest, the zoo has narrowed it down to four names: Kipekee, which means ‘unique,’ Firyali, defined as ‘unusual or extraordinary,’ Shakiri translates to ‘she is most beautiful,’ or Jamella – ‘one of great beauty.’

Female giraffes usually stay with their mom’s herds, with the parents caring for the babies until they are 12-18 months old. Males will then leave the herd in the wild, and seek a mate.

giraffe in africa© Getty Images

The zoo describes itself as “a private, family-owned facility nestled in the hills of East Tennessee. Animals living here include some rare & endangered species such as addax, bongo and scimitar-horned oryx, and bactrian camels. The center also contains more common but exotic creatures like red kangaroos, spider monkeys, pandas and zebras.”

The public can vote on a name on the Zoo’s Facebook page, where the keepers have been making announcements and keeping the public posted about their animals, including the new spotless giraffe.

While some experts are saying this spotless giraffe is the only one in the world, a few years ago a Kenyan photographer made headlines when they captured an all-white mom and baby giraffe on camera.

A giraffe stands on the grass at the Branfere animal park in Le Guerno© AFP via Getty Images

“Elegant and spotless, [the] white mother Giraffe along with her young white calf was spotted in the local area of the Ishaqbini Conservation in Garissa County, Kenya. The two have been attracting attention from across the world,” said a local paper.

Users have responded to the giraffe’s birth with lots of questions and comments on its adorable appearance. “Congratulations on the birth of your new baby giraffe. I know that spots on the giraffe helps to regulate its body temperature but will you need to take any special precautions with this little cutie since she has no spots?” asked one user.

Another said: How precious! One of our favorite Zoos!”

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