New born Giraffe without its 'spots'

[Box Brownie]

This came onto my news feed....

Spotless giraffe, thought to be only one in world, born at Tennessee zoo | Animals | The Guardian

Brights zoo hopes publicity around unnamed female, who lacks distinctive patches, will draw attention to plight of giraffes in wild

amp.theguardian.com

Interesting info especially about the thermo regulation that the spots are thought to provide.

Plus, I am very pleased that the zoo has drawn up a list of Swahili names, not left it open to daft ones!

Last but not least....... actually most importantly.....that due to habitat fragmentation and poaching (just what are Giraffes poached for???) the population is down 40% in the past 30 years

 

[GreenNinja67]

Stops it being called Giraffy McGiraffeFace I suppose.

 

[Box Brownie]

Stops it being called Giraffy McGiraffeFace I suppose.

Absolutely

The zoo has announced a contest for the public to name the new giraffe.
The shortlisted options are Kipekee, which means “unique” in Swahili;
Firayali, which means unusual
Shakiri, which means “she is most beautiful”
Jamella, which is “one of great beauty”.

All much better and well suited to a wonderful animal

 

[GreenNinja67]

All better than mjinga or zuzu I suppose.

 

[gramps]

just what are Giraffes poached for???

The usual (and not so usual) stupid reasons

Unfortunately, giraffes are poached for a number of reasons. Giraffe tails are coveted in many parts of Africa, and their hairs are also used in fly whisks, bracelets and sewing. Giraffes are killed for their meat and hides as well as their brains and bone marrow, which herbal medicine practitioners claim can protect people from HIV/AIDS. These claims have increased the price for giraffe parts, incentivizing poachers to kill more of these beautiful animals.

Why Do Poachers Kill Giraffes?

Why do poachers kill giraffes? The International Anti-Poaching Foundation is fighting giraffe poaching in Africa. Read our story to learn more.

www.iapf.org