Phoenix Zoo picks name for baby giraffe born in March

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo’s newest baby giraffe finally has a name, and it is as cute as you could imagine for a month-old giraffe.

The giraffe, born March 22, is named Moshi. Why Moshi? It means “smoke” in Swahili.

The zoo said Moshi is doing well, spending time in the giraffe barn and an outdoor side yard where she is bonding with her mother, Sunshine, and the rest of the female giraffes.

There still isn’t an official date for when Moshi will be introduced into the Savanna habitat, but it could be soon.

We are excited to announce that our most recent female baby giraffe, born on March 22, has been named by her keepers. “Moshi” (pronounced Moe-she) is the name, which means “smoke” in Swahili. pic.twitter.com/MbhwkxcQrg

— Phoenix Zoo (@PhoenixZoo) April 19, 2019

Moshi is the second calf born to Sunshine and the third sired by Miguu, her father. All three calves are females.

Sunshine, who is almost 6 years old, came to the Phoenix Zoo as part of the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan in 2014 and gave birth to Siku in September 2017.

Siku, the first giraffe born at the facility in 12 years, and the baby have a half-sister in Rafiki, whom Imara gave birth to in June 2018.

The father, 10-year-old Miguu, has been at the Phoenix Zoo since coming from the Los Angeles Zoo in 2010.

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