The animal kingdom is full of amazing patterns. All used for camouflage and survival. Stripes, spots, zigzags, even perpetually-changing patterns can hide predators and prey in plain sight. Unless you’re the brand new giraffe baby born at the Tennessee Zoo! In a rare occurrence, she’s born without any of the classic brown spots.
Born on July 31st at the Brights Zoo in Limestone, the newborn has a rich brown coat. Apparently the last giraffe born without spots was 51 year ago at a zoo in Tokyo, with only two recorded before that.
“We generally do not post really any babies in the zoo but with this being such a unique situation, we knew that it would bring a lot of attention to giraffes, which would help us point people in the right direction of ‘hey, here’s how you can help giraffes in the wild,” zoo co-owner David Bright said.
The zoo is using it her birth as an opportunity to raise awareness about giraffe populations in the wild. The number of giraffes in the wild has steadily decreased since the 1980s. But conservation efforts are helping to improve things. This beautiful little brown baby is helping to promote donating to conservations to continue caring for these amazing creatures.
The zoo is also giving the community the opportunity to name the little beastie. So far the popular names are Firali, which means unusual; Kipekee, which means unique; Shakiri, which means most beautiful; or Jamella, which means great beauty. Her name will be announced on September 4th.
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