CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks has announced a naming opportunity for its new male giraffe calf born on Oct. 13.
The calf was born to mom Jasmine and dad Bo. The calf was born weighing approximately 150 pounds and standing nearly 6 feet tall.
The public can choose from the following three names:
- Kendi, meaning loved one
- Nuru, meaning light
- Zuva, meaning day or sun
Each of the names is unique to giraffes' native regions in Africa, where their population has decreased by nearly 40% over the last 15 years. The current global giraffe population is estimated to be less than 80,000.
"The pandemic has had wide-ranging impacts on our world, including on many of our conservation partners we support abroad that help protect vulnerable species like giraffe,” said Dr. Chris Kuhar, Executive Director of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, in a news release. “By helping us name our newest giraffe calf, you are also supporting our conservation partners in their efforts to protect giraffe populations in Africa."
Guests can cast their vote onlineor at the Welcome Plaza at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The naming opportunity will be open until midnight on Nov. 5. All donations will go to support conservation programs, including programs that protect giraffe.
