The Masai giraffe population at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new addition, and it’s up to you to help decide her name.
The calf was born to parents Kenya and George on October 1st. The pair was selected as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program (SSP), which works to ensure responsible breeding of endangered and threatened species. She joins her sister Aella, who was born in June. The calf is currently backstage bonding with her mother, but is expected to be on view at Kilimanjaro Safaris before the end of the year.
The one thing this baby giraffe doesn’t have yet is a name. The animal care team has selected four potential names, each from a Swahili word, and fans can vote for a name at the Disney Parks Blog. The names are:
- Dafina (Swahili for “treasure”)
- Milima (Swahili for “mountain”)
- Amira (Swahili for “princess”)
- Naima (Swahili for “graceful”)
Masai giraffes are considered a vulnerable species native to Kenya and Tanzania, with around 32,000 left in the wild. Population numbers have been on the decline due to poaching and habitat loss.
Keep your eyes on WDWNT as we update you on the story, including the winning name and when the calf debuts at Kilimanjaro Safaris.