Animal fans will have no problem ‘spotting’ this cute new animal at the Tennessee zoo.
At Brights Zoo, a baby giraffe was born spotless and is believed to be the only living giraffe of its species.
The zoo welcomed the giraffe (as yet unnamed) on July 31, which prompted officials to seek expert opinion on the brown, spotless giraffe. reported by WJHL.
“Giraffe experts believe this giraffe is the only monochromatic reticulated giraffe found anywhere on Earth,” Bright’s Zoo said in a statement.
There have been reports of spotless giraffes in the past, but the calf at Brights Zoo in Limestone, northeastern Tennessee, appears to be the only calf to be completely brown instead of completely white.
The baby giraffe is now 6 feet tall and thriving under its mother’s care. Her mother was photographed watching over the miracle baby who recently debuted to zoo visitors.
Zoo founder Tony Bright has yet to comment on why the giraffe is losing its spots, but said the popularity of newborns has helped raise awareness of the endangered species.
“International media coverage of a patternless baby giraffe has brought much-needed attention to giraffe conservation,” Bright said in a statement. “Wild populations are quietly heading towards extinction, losing 40% of the wild giraffe population in just the last 30 years.”
Reticulated giraffes are among the most endangered, with a population of 36,000 halved between 2008 and 2018, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
In addition to the chance to see pure white giraffes, Brights Zoo offers ask the people for help When deciding on a calf name.
The zoo has narrowed it down to four names, each named after Swahili, the language used in East Africa, where the reticulated giraffe is native.
The name is “Kipeki” which means unique. Huryari, meaning extraordinary. Shakiri, meaning she is the most beautiful. Or Jamela, which means a very beautiful person.
The zoo will begin accepting public selections on Tuesday.
