The World’s First Spotless Giraffe Was Born At A Tennessee Zoo Last Month

Just when you think you've seen it all, Mother Nature throws a curve ball. Brights Zoo is a private, family-owned zoo in eastern Tennessee that is home to numerous exotic animals, reptiles, and birds... but there’s a brand new member of the family that has caught the attention of the entire world. After all, it’s not every day that a spotless giraffe is born!

A baby reticulated giraffe was born on July 31, 2023... and it seems to be missing something.

This baby is spotless! Experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe in the world. The only other documented spotless giraffe on record was born in Japan in the 1970s.


This newborn sure does know how to make an entrance!

The spotless giraffe and her mother are both thriving and seem to be happy and healthy!

She’s already six feet tall and needs a name.

Bright’s Zoo is asking for the public's help to name her, and they’ve narrowed it down to the final four:

Jamella: One of great beauty


Shakiri: She is most beautiful

Firyalo: Unusual/Extraordinary

Kipekee: Unique

What do you think the spotless giraffe should be named? Voting will last for two weeks, and you can cast your vote on the Brights Zoo Facebook Page.

Reticulated giraffes are endangered, and wild populations are slowly slipping into extinction.

There are roughly 16,000 left in the wild, and their numbers are dwindling. Reticulated giraffes are one of four giraffe species, and the word “reticulated” refers to the brown and cream pattern on the giraffe, which helps them stay camouflaged in the savannas of northern Kenya, where they live.

Being born in captivity was the safest place for this beauty since it wouldn't have the ability to blend in if she was born in the wild.

Regardless of what her name will be, Brights Zoo is thrilled to add another giraffe to the family.

She's already helping shine a light on saving her species from extinction and bringing attention to conservation efforts and she's not even a month old.


Learn more about the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and what you can do to help.

Visit the Brights Zoo website to learn more, and plan your next animal adventure today!

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