World's Only Spotless Giraffe Has Been Born At Zoo In US

Credit: Brights Zoo

The 'rarest giraffe in the world' was born in the United States and is spotless.

A young giraffe that is around six feet tall was born on July 31 at Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee. The usual birth height of a female giraffe is about 1.8 meters (6 feet).

"A newborn giraffe will suckle its mother’s milk as soon as it can stand up – that’s why they need to be so tall at birth," the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) explains.

"Calves are reliant on their mother’s milk for up to 9-12 months. They start eating solid food (leaves) from about 4 months at which time they also start to ruminate."

Credit: Brights Zoo

But what distinguishes this giraffe from the others is that, according to zoo experts, she is thought to be the sole specimen of her kind on Earth.

"The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation," the founder of Brights Zoo, Tony Bright said.

"Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40 percent of the wild giraffe population lost in just the last three decades."

Since then, the zoo has made a special appeal to the general public for assistance in naming the young giraffe, which is now on display.

Credit: Brights Zoo

After receiving some criticism from PETA in 2017, Brights Zoo decided to cancel the sale of one of their young giraffes to a Texas facility that PETA alleged "has ties to exotic animal-hunting ranches."

The Zoo "have been attacked on a level unheard of," the creator claimed at the time, and "because of this, there's not a zoo out there willing to take on the burden of an animal with this type of following."

This follows a letter from PETA that stated: "I hope you agree that no giraffe should be subjected to a life of suffering, stress, and deprivation and will reach a decision to end breeding and stop transferring these intelligent and sensitive animals.”

"With the closure of Ringling Bros. circus, the end of SeaWorld's orca-breeding program, and the National Aquarium's announcement of its plans to build the first-ever seaside dolphin sanctuary, it's never been clearer that the public doesn't support the use of animals for entertainment."

The purchase of a female companion for the giraffe, anticipated to cost around $150,000, will be made by Wildlife Partners within the next two years, according to Bright, who also revealed that plans were being prepared for a giraffe barn to house the animal.

Although the infant still lacks a name, Brights Zoo is hopeful that the public will help change that.

The most popular name will receive the most votes in a poll where fans can choose from four distinct options.

According to Brights Zoo, the names all make reference to Swahili, the language spoken in Eastern Africa, where reticulated giraffes like this youngster are native.

There are four options: Kipekee, which means unique; Friyali, which means outstanding; Shakiri, which means she is most beautiful; or Jamella, which means one of great beauty.

This unique creature's arrival highlights the challenges faced by giraffe populations in the wild. 

The attention drawn to its birth is shedding light on the need for conservation efforts and responsible animal care. It's a reminder that every individual animal, regardless of its rarity, deserves to be treated with care, respect, and a commitment to its well-being.