The Louisville Zoo’s newest baby giraffe will now be called “Amani” after a month-long naming contest. “Amani” means “peace” in the Swahili language. Zoo visitors had until October 31st to vote for their favorite name via coins and bills in the appropriate slot at a naming kiosk on the Zoo’s front plaza.
Amani, a female baby Masai giraffe, was born at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011 to 22-year-old Mariah at the Louisville Zoo. Walker, the Zoo’s 17 year-old male giraffe is the father. The baby was a healthy 5’10” tall and 140 lbs at birth. Her addition brings the Zoo’s giraffe population to six. Amani is currently on exhibit daily, weather permitting.
All of the proceeds of the naming contest will go to the care and feeding of Amani and the other animals at the Zoo.
The Louisville Zoo has had a successful giraffe breeding program over the years and this calf is the 21st giraffe to be born in the Zoo’s 42 year history.
The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
For more information: www.louisvillezoo.org
