Spotless giraffe, thought to be only one in world, born at Tennessee zoo
A rare and unique event occurred at a Tennessee zoo when a singularly colored giraffe was born on July 31st.
This female giraffe is uniformly brown, lacking the typical patchwork pattern that giraffes are known for.
Currently standing at 6 feet tall, she is being cared for by her mother and zoo staff.
Such uniformity in color is exceptionally rare among giraffes, who typically rely on their spotted pattern for camouflage in the wild.
The distinctive patches on a giraffe's skin also help with thermal regulation by facilitating heat release.
Each giraffe, except for this Tennessee newcomer, has a distinct pattern of patches, often inherited from their mothers.
This remarkable birth at Brights Zoo aims to raise awareness about the challenges facing giraffes globally.
These tallest mammals on Earth are threatened by habitat fragmentation in Africa and illegal poaching.
The zoo is conducting a naming contest for the public, with options including Kipekee (meaning "unique" in Swahili), Firayali (meaning unusual), Shakiri (meaning "she is most beautiful"), and Jamella (meaning "one of great beauty").