Everyone should embrace what makes them unique. Even in the animal kingdom. How many stories have you heard thru your life; Dumbo, Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, The Ugly Duckling, and my absolute favorite, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
The Reticulated Giraffe as a species is on the decline; the population in the wild has dropped by half in the last three decades. In fact, they were added to the endangered species list in 2018. I have mixed feelings about zoos, but without them, seeing these animals in person and learning about them, is next to impossible. So when a new calf is born, even in captivity, it’s a big deal.
Want an even bigger deal? Imagine giving birth to a majestic calf, that can weigh around 150 pounds (yes, at birth!), and looking down at the life you created and realizing something looks…. different. Afterall, you expect to see a baby that looks like you; white with reddish-brown spots, and your baby, is spotless.
On July 31st at the Brights Zoo in Limestone, TN, a momma giraffe gave birth to the only known spotless baby. This little girl is all one solid reddish-brown color and is beyond adorable. And the fact that she is different, makes her even more beautiful and remarkable really. She has not been named yet, but you can assist with that.
The zoo has a voting poll on their Facebook page where you can vote upon the four options that have been given:
- Kipekee, which means “unique”
- Firyali, which means “unusual or extraordinary”
- Shakiri, which means “she is most beautiful”
- Jamella, which means “one of great beauty”
Voting opened today and will remain open until Labor Day, Monday September 4th.
If you want to see this rare baby in person, Limestone is less than five hours from Clarksville!
