Animals Rule The World (they should): Name the Giraffe!

Something rare happened in Northeastern Tennessee at Bright's Zoo, a family-run zoo with over 700 animals, including nine giraffes. A giraffe calve was born without spots, something that is very rare. The last time anyone saw this phenomenon was in Toyko's Ueno Zoo in 1972. Toshiko, the spotless baby's mother, had given birth to other spotless giraffes, but the mother at Bright's Zoo had three different babies, and they all had signature spots. 

Animal geneticists are trying to determine what makes this happen and what it means. It is most likely a mutation, but there are many questions since seeing these rare creatures is exceptionally infrequent in the wild. They have figured out that the bigger the spots a calve has, the likelihood of long-term survival increases. So what does this mean for this baby? It is unknown.

Over 17,000 people voted on the first day of voting for a name, and the four choices are in Swahili: Kipekee (unique), Firyali (extraordinary or unusual), Shakiri (she is most beautiful), and Jamelia (one of great beauty). You can go to their Facebook page, as I believe the voting is still happening, but I don't have FB, so I can't see it. (Damn you, Zuckerfool!)

I am not a fan of zoos and much prefer sanctuaries, but I can't deny this little baby girl is adorable, and I am pleased that she is healthy and her mother is too.