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

By

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OPEN POST: Little Girl Looking Downstairs at Christmas Party

By
Image
Can you hear this painting like I can? Hone in on a conversation; what are they discussing? There's music playing; what does it sound like? There's an aroma in the air; what does it smell like? Who is your favorite guest? What's their name? What are they wearing? The little girl at the top of the stairs - what does she think of it all? Who are her parents? How long has she been there? Why is she there? How long until she's discovered and sent back to bed? Decades have passed; does she remember this night still? BTW, looking for Peckerwood's Weekly Lunocracy Post? It's  RIGHT HERE .
Read more

OPEN POST: Happy Solstice, Peckers!

By
Image
  Here we are: the shortest day of the year, the longest night. Nature is slowly but surely continuing its cycle of rebirth and we will see brighter days ahead. It's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and consider what kind of light you'd like to bring into your life. A time of hope and renewal. I wish you all a happy Solstice! Source: Flux Image BTW, looking for Peckerwood's Weekly Lunocracy Post? It's  RIGHT HERE .
Read more

OPEN POST: Take a Breath, Why Don't Ya?

By
Image
Lots of holiday rigamarole commences next week, so if you can, carve out an hour or so today just for you . If you're lucky enough to have a puddytat, observe their silliness and play with them; if you have a dog, take them for a walk or to a dog park. And if you're bereft of furry creatures, take yourself for a walk, stop at a cafe, and drink a hot cup of joe or a cocoa - but without looking at your phone. Just sip, clear your mind, and do some Cyclic Breathing. Have you ever tried it? It's my favorite breathing technique: inhale deeply through your nose, follow immediately with a second breath (you can do it), hold it all in for a sec, then very slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times. The slooooow exhale is what makes it so very relaxing, I promise. Cyclic Breathing is different from other breathing-type exercises because it involves a double inhalation and a long, even audible exhale.  But, hey, whatever brings you a few moments of peace today is worth do...
Read more