Phoenix Zoo asking public to vote on name of new baby giraffe

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo is allowing the public to choose the name of a female baby giraffe that was born at the facility last month.

Imara, a seven-year-old Masai giraffe, gave birth to the baby on June 26 and had been caring for her in the zoo’s giraffe barn. It was the second female baby giraffe to be born at the zoo in less than a year.

But don’t worry — this will not be anything like the “Boaty McBoatface” result that occurred after Britain’s Natural Environment Research Council asked the public to name a $284 million polar research ship in 2016.

The zoo has picked seven Swahili terms for the public to choose from: Asili (nature), Jasiri (brave), Kivuli (shadow), Mwishowe (finally/eventually), Nyusi (eyebrows), Subira (patience) or Rafiki (friend).

As of July 26, Rafiki was in the lead with nearly 35 percent of the vote, while Jasiri followed shortly behind with nearly 30 percent of the vote.

Voting will end at midnight on July 29.

While the giraffe may still lack a name, there is one thing it has plenty of: Love and care.

“She is being extremely well cared for by her very protective mother, Imara!” the website said.

“Imara and the baby will remain in the giraffe barn until the calf is old enough to be introduced to other animals and go out on the Savanna.”

You can vote on your favorite name on the Phoenix Zoo website.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on July 26 to reflect the new totals for the name and when voting would end. 

Follow @KTAR923