What’s in a name? Phoenix Zoo needs help picking best of 5 potential names for baby giraffe

PHOENIX — Members of the public now have the chance to help name a baby giraffe born at the Phoenix Zoo last month.

The Masai giraffe calf was born on Nov. 16 through the Species Survival Program, which paired her mother, a 12‑year‑old giraffe named Sunshine, with a 16‑year‑old male named Miguu.

Zoo officials have picked five potential names and are asking the public’s help in selecting the most fitting moniker for the energetic girl.

The baby giraffe is full of energy and often gets the “zoomies,” or sudden bursts of running and playfulness. Inspired by her swiftness, one of the five name options is “Kasi,” which means “speed” in Swahili.

Here are the other potential names the public can choose between:

• Cyra, which means “sun” in Persian and Greek.
• Binti, which means “daughter” in Swahili.
• Ray, like a ray of sunshine, which matches her mother’s name.
• Tensi, which is Welsh for “warmth from the sun.”

Members of the public can cast their votes online. Voting is open through Dec. 22.

More about the new Phoenix Zoo baby giraffe

The yet-to-be-named baby giraffe is Sunshine’s fifth calf at the Phoenix Zoo. Given her reputation as a caring mother, keepers are confident that Sunshine will raise this youngster just as successfully as her previous four.

Because she’s still too young to join the herd, the calf is staying with Sunshine in the giraffe barn, so the public can’t see her quite yet.

Anyone craving a Masai giraffe sighting can satisfy their curiosity with Miguu and Imara, the two giraffes on view in the zoo’s Savanna habitat.

This species of giraffes makes up the tallest land mammals on Earth. Males can reach up to 19 feet, with their necks making up about one-third of that height.

The Phoenix Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Jan. 18, when closing time moves to 5 p.m. It is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Papago Park.

@phoenixzooHelp us name our newborn female Masai giraffe! 🦒 Choose your favorite: 1️⃣ Cyra: means “sun” in Persian/Greek 2️⃣ Tesni: means “warmth from the sun” in Welsh 3️⃣ Binti: means “daughter” in Swahili 4️⃣ Kasi: means “speed” in Swahili (because of her zoomies) 5️⃣ Ray: like a ray of sunshine Voting is now open through midnight on December 22! Cast your vote here: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/blog/voting/help-us-name-sunshines-calf/♬ original sound – Phoenix Zoo

In addition to the regular hours, the annual ZooLights holiday attraction runs nightly through Jan. 16.

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