Spotless giraffe thought to be the only one in the world, born at Tennessee zoo Bright’s zoo. Zoo hopes for publicity around the unnamed female, who lacks distinctive patches. Moreover, she will draw attention to the plight of giraffes in the wild.
In a surprising turn of events, a Tennessee zoo has welcomed the birth of what is believed to be the world’s only spotless giraffe, a female born on July 31st. Unlike her counterparts, this unique giraffe boasts a uniform brown coat, lacking the customary patchwork pattern that characterizes the species.
Standing tall at an impressive 6 feet, the newborn is currently under the attentive care of both her mother and the zoo’s dedicated staff. The absence of spots on this giraffe is an exceedingly rare occurrence. The distinctive mottled appearance typically serves as a vital camouflage mechanism in the wild.
The patches on a giraffe’s skin also house a network of blood vessels. Facilitating heat release and providing a form of thermal regulation. Remarkably, each giraffe, except this Tennessee newcomer, possesses an individualized pattern of patches believed to be inherited from their mothers.
Brights Zoo, recognizing the significance of this exceptional birth, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by giraffes worldwide. These towering creatures are imperiled by habitat fragmentation in Africa, as well as the grim threat of illicit poaching.
Tony Bright, the founder of Brights Zoo, emphasized the global impact of their patternless giraffe, stating, “The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation.” He went on to lament the silent decline of wild giraffe populations, with a staggering 40% lost over the past three decades.
Meanwhile, to engage the public in this momentous occasion, the zoo has launched a naming contest for the new giraffe. The proposed names include Kipekee, meaning “unique” in Swahili; Firayali, signifying unusual; Shakiri, translating to “she is most beautiful”; and Jamella, denoting “one of great beauty.”