West Australians are being asked to help choose the name of Perth Zoo’s giraffe calf, with a competition today launched to find a suitable moniker for the herd’s newest edition.

To celebrate the birth of a healthy female giraffe calf at Perth Zoo, West Australians are being given the chance to help her find a name and they will be rewarded with a special prize.

To take part, simply submit name suggestions, which must be of an African dialect, via the Zoo’s website. 

The healthy giraffe was born to mum Kitoto and dad Armani on 3 September, 2021, as part of a regional breeding program to prevent the extinction of this majestic species. 

Giraffe herd need some time to bond with the calf before they introduce their bundle of joy to Zoo visitors, but the calf is starting to explore outside the nursery just in time for the school holidays.

The competition winner will enjoy an exclusive giraffe experience and meet the zoologists who dedicate their lives to caring for the Perth giraffe herd.

Sadly, giraffe have suffered a 40 per cent population decline in the past 30 years, making zoo breeding efforts more important than ever before. 

Entries close on 7 October, 2021. To submit an entry, visit www.perthzoo.com.au/giraffe-calf-naming-comp

Comments attributed to Premier McGowan:

“Perth Zoo’s giraffe calf needs a name that is head and shoulders above the rest and I am confident that together we can find a name that is spot on.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved and help celebrate the arrival of a healthy calf by participating in the competition or visiting the Zoo this school holidays.”

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

“Choosing a fitting name for Perth Zoo’s newest giraffe calf is a tall order, but I have no doubt West Australians are willing to stick their necks out for this important task.

“The Zoo is looking for an African name to reflect the species origin, so get researching and tell us the meaning of the name and which African dialect it comes from.”