The Phoenix Zoo is inviting the community to help choose a name for its newest resident — a baby Masai giraffe born last month to one of the zoo’s most experienced mothers.
The female calf was born Nov. 16 to Sunshine, a 12-year-old Masai giraffe, following a recommended pairing with Miguu, a 16-year-old male, through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program. The newborn marks Sunshine’s fifth calf born at the Phoenix Zoo.
Zoo officials say both mother and calf are doing well. For now, the pair is staying behind the scenes in the giraffe barn while the calf grows strong enough to eventually join the rest of the herd. Keepers describe Sunshine as a calm and attentive mother, noting her strong track record raising previous calves.
While visitors may have to wait a bit before seeing the baby giraffe in person, the public can still take part in welcoming her by voting on a name. The zoo has narrowed the options to five finalists, each inspired by sunshine, warmth or family:
Kasi, meaning “speed” in Swahili
Cyra, meaning “sun” in Persian and Greek
Ray, a nod to a ray of sunshine
Binti, Swahili for “daughter”
Tesni, meaning “warmth from the sun” in Welsh
Voting is now open on the Phoenix Zoo’s website, where supporters can cast a ballot and learn more about the calf and her parents. The zoo says the winning name will be announced once voting closes. More details and the voting form are available at the Phoenix Zoo’s official blog: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/blog/voting/help-us-name-sunshines-calf/.
The birth is another milestone for the zoo’s giraffe program and a reminder of the role accredited zoos play in protecting vulnerable species like the Masai giraffe, whose wild population continues to face threats across Africa.
