In one of the most unusual occurrences in the animal kingdom, a pristine newborn giraffe was born at The Brights Zoo and is thought to be the world’s only solid-colored giraffe.
The giraffe, which has yet to be named, was welcomed by the zoo on July 31 as officials sought professional advice on the pristine and fully-brown calf, according to WJHL.
“Giraffe experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet,” said Bright’s Zoo, in a statement.
The female giraffe is completely brown in color and lacks the unique patchwork pattern that giraffes are known for, as well as their extraordinarily long necks. Brights Zoo claimed that the giraffe is already 6 feet tall and has been cared for by both her mother and zoo employees.
The zoo declared that it is a one-of-a-kind giraffe because giraffes without mottled skin are extremely unusual. A network of blood vessels exists beneath the skin, assisting giraffes in releasing heat through the center of each patch and providing a form of thermal regulation.
According to zoo founder Tony Bright, specialists have struggled to explain why the young giraffe is solid-colored.
Except for the Tennessee newcomer, each giraffe has a distinct patch pattern, which the experts believe is inherited from their moms.
Giraffe conservation is critical
According to Brights Zoo, such a unique birth will most likely emphasize the issues that giraffes confront around the world.
Illegal poaching and habitat fragmentation in Africa have put the world’s tallest animal in danger.
“The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation,” said the founder of Brights zoo, Tony Bright, while speaking to the local television news station WCYB. “Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40% of the wild giraffe population lost in just the last three decades,” he added.
A contest has been announced by the zoo to name the baby giraffe. The options they have shortlisted are Kipekee, which means “unique” in Swahili; Firayali, which means unusual; Shakiri, which means “she is most beautiful”; and Jamella, which is “one of great beauty”.
Brights Zoo will start a poll to choose the name of the rare giraffe, on their Facebook page on Tuesday.