Perth Zoo is calling on the public to help choose a name for its new giraffe calf.
The Zoo has launched a competition with the winner to enjoy an exclusive giraffe experience and meet the zoologists who care for the Perth giraffe herd.
In a statement, the Zoo said people wishing to take part should submit name suggestions, which must be of an African dialect, via the Zoo’s website.
It said the healthy giraffe calf was born to mother, Kitoto and father, Armani on 3 September as part of a regional breeding program to prevent the extinction of the species.
“Giraffe herd need some time to bond with the calf…but the calf is starting to explore outside the nursery just in time for the school holidays,” the Zoo said.
“Sadly, giraffe have suffered a 40 per cent population decline in the past 30 years, making zoo breeding efforts more important than ever before,” it said.
Minister for the Environment, Amber-Jade Sanderson said choosing a fitting name for Perth Zoo’s newest giraffe calf was a tall order “but I have no doubt West Australians are willing to stick their necks out for this important task”.
“The Zoo is looking for an African name to reflect the species’ origin, so get researching and tell us the meaning of the name and which African dialect it comes from,” Ms Sanderson said.
