A female giraffe, born at Brights Zoo in Tennessee, is capturing worldwide attention after she was born with no spots — making her the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet, giraffe experts believe.
When mother giraffe’s give birth, the calves are already 6 feet tall and are born covered from hoof to horn in brown spots, other than rare occasions.
The zoo’s director, David Bright, said zoo staff have been reaching out to zoo professionals across the country inquiring about how rare the giraffe could be. So far, zoo officials say the only record of a reticulated giraffe being born without spots was in Japan in the 1970s.
Photos of the calf can be seen on Brights Zoo Facebook page, standing next to her mother, who does have spots.
The zoo is now seeking the public’s help is choosing a name for the baby giraffe, and voting is taking place on their Facebook page.
Voters have four names to pick from:
1. Kipekee – Unique
2. Firyali – Unusual or Extraordinary
3. Shakiri – She is most beautiful
4. Jamella – One of great beauty
Voting will remain open until Labor Day, Sept. 4, and the votes will be tallied up and her name announced that day.
