We watched Katie the giraffe give birth live online and on TV at the Dallas Zoo.
Now, the viral giraffe calf that millions of people watched come into the world last Friday needs a name.
That's where you come in.
Starting Thursday, April 16 at 5 a.m. (CST), you can vote on the baby's new name.
The zoo was overwhelmed with requests to name the calf after loved ones: children lost to cancer, missing family members, relatives with autism who were touched by the live birth, first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty, former zoo staffers and more.
However, given the number of requests, it wasn’t possible to recognize just one special person.
“We have been profoundly touched by your stories, and we feel your grief and your pride,” said Gregg Hudson, chief executive officer and president of the Dallas Zoo. “We have read every post, tweet and email, often with tears in our eyes. We hope those who have reached out will find comfort in knowing that the Dallas Zoo will always think of their loved ones as we care for this calf in the coming years.”
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The Dallas Zoo recently adopted a new policy of naming animals after their native home.
So, Katie’s keepers chose three Swahili names, all with meanings that honor the spirit of those requests:
- Adia – “a gift”
- Kanzi – “a treasure”
- Kipenzi – “loved one”
“We’ve heard from many people around the world that say Katie and her baby are now a part of their family after witnessing this remarkable live birth on Animal Planet,” said Hudson. “We want those people to feel included in the calf’s name. We can’t wait to see which one is chosen.”
Voting is free, but you will have the chance to help rescue and support threatened wildlife in Africa, including giraffes. A friend of the Dallas Zoo has agreed to match any donations made in the baby’s honor, up to $25,000. All donations will go to conservation efforts around the world.
Voting closes at 5 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, April 23.
Mom Katie delivered the calf, weighing 139 pounds and standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall, live on Animal Planet television and Animal Planet L!VE streaming.
Viewers cheered Katie on as she pushed for nearly an hour to deliver the calf, and over the next hours as the wobbly little one tried to stand, took her first steps and began nursing.
