Baltimore’s tallest baby needs a name.
The Maryland Zoo is asking for the public’s help to name its’ newest addition, a 6-foot-1-inch tall female reticulated giraffe.
Born February 6, the two-week-old giraffe and her mom Juma are bonding behind the scenes and both appear healthy, according to zoo officials.
Mother and baby are not currently available for viewing by zoo guests. “We want to observe them and their interactions with the rest of the herd in a quiet setting for a little while longer,” said Erin Cantwell, mammal collection and conservation manager, “Juma is a first-time mother and we want to ensure that we introduce her calf to the public in a way that keeps everyone comfortable and at ease.”
In the meantime, visitors can help name the baby by choosing from names selected by zoo staff:
Imara (ee MAH rah) which means strong, resolute in Swahili
Safara (sah FAR ah) a name of African origin which means fire
Willow willow trees are slender and graceful, like the newborn calf
Ruby because she's a rare and precious gem
Opal a name from Sanskrit literally meaning "jewel"
Dottie because she has a dark dot positioned just above each hoof
To see pictures of the Zoo's newest addition and to help select the perfect name, visit the website at www.marylandzoo.org/giraffename. Voting is open now thru 8:00 am Thursday, February 23rd. You can vote once per day, and the winning name will be announced later this week.
