The Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a baby girl giraffe last month. Now, it needs TODAY viewers to help name it.
News of the animal’s birth was announced June 13 on Saturday TODAY, with the hosts letting viewers know they can now get involved by casting their vote on which name to give the giraffe.
The giraffe was born to mom Kala and dad Apollo on May 31. The animal was born six feet two inches tall and weighed 152 pounds. The baby has kept close to her mother so far but is expected to begin exploring away from her soon, as she meets other members of the herd.
Meet Kala’s new giraffe calf!Courtesy Fort Worth Zoo
So, here’s your chance. The three names the public can choose are:
Kumi — The name is Swahili for 10, in honor of mom Kala giving birth to her 10th calf.Honey — This is in recognition of the fact the baby is as sweet as can be.Iris — This moniker is a tribute to the state Fort Worth calls home, as the iris is a native Texan plant/flower.
The winning name will be announced on Saturday TODAY June 27.
The Fort Worth Zoo is home to reticulated giraffes, which are classified as endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Will her name be Kumi, Honey or Iris?Courtesy Fort Worth Zoo
They are called reticulated for creature’s chestnut-brown rectangular markings that are unique to each giraffe, in the same way a fingerprint is unique to each human. Giraffes are native to the African savannas and is most recognized by its neck, which can measure as long as seven feet.
This isn’t the first time the Fort Worth Zoo has come to TODAY with a notable addition. In 2024, it shared videos of Jasper, a rare baby mandrill born at the zoo, along with his 8-month-old sister, Ruby, who was also born there.