Breaking news: last month, a completely spotless reticulated giraffe, possibly the only one in the world, was born at the Brights Zoo in Tennessee.
Reticulated giraffes (Giraffa reticulata) are one of 9 recognized subspecies of giraffes. According to the San Francisco Zoo’s website, they are herbivores, feeding off leaves and twigs, and can grow up to 19 feet, although most only have 4. While giraffes are usually characterized by their net-like (“reticulated”) patterns that help with camouflage, this recently-born calf completely lacks these signature patterns- an exceptionally rare occurrence. The last known spotless reticulated giraffe was thought to be Toshiko, who was born in 1972 in Tokyo, zoo director David Bright wrote in an email to CBS News. Experts believe that this new calf may possibly be the only spotless giraffe in the world right now.
Bright hopes that the birth of this unusual calf will bring attention to the current endangered status of the species. In the wild, reticulated giraffes are experiencing major population decline as a result of habitat loss and poaching. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation estimates that, “…almost 16,000 individuals remain in the wild – a decline of over 50% from the approximate 36,000 three and a half decades ago.” You can help aid conservation efforts by spreading awareness or donating to a reputable organization, such as the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. “I feel that there needs to be more measures put in place to help giraffes, because if they’re gone, they’re gone. And I really love giraffes, they’re cool,” says senior Riya Dhingra.
The zoo held a naming contest via their Facebook page, where people can vote between four lovely names (Kipekee, Firyali, Shakiri, and Jamella) to bestow upon this majestic being. The winning name, Kipekee, was announced on September 5th.
We are truly blessed to be able to be alive at such a time, and cordially welcome our giraffe overlord with open arms.
