VIDEO: Giraffe could get golden boy’s name in public vote
GREG Rutherford’s legacy could be set to continue thanks to a new baby giraffe at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
The public has been invited to vote for their favourite name and Greg has made the shortlist of 10 to help name the one-month-old reticulated giraffe
He was born to first-time parents Ijuma and Uno at 7am on September 30, taking his first wobbly steps just hours later.
Despite being six feet tall already the unnamed newcomer is expected to grow an inch every day in his first year; an extra four feet in height.
Keeper, Louise Jakobsen, said: “The new arrival is already showing dad’s calmness and mum’s inquisitive nature. He’s very confident on his long legs now - after starting off mirroring the actions of his keepers, he soon began galloping around the paddock. Although he will suckle for around a year, he’s begun nibbling on leaves which we’ve put at his height so he can easily tug on them.”
The new calf is extra special because when 10-year-old Uno - which means number one - arrived at Whipsnade last year as the Zoo’s breeding male, he was slightly smaller and less muscular than the average male.
Louise added: “It’s Uno’s first baby and he has been very curious about the new arrival, showing a lot of interest in him. We keep spotting him peering over to get a better look.
“Ijuma is also doing a brilliant job as a first-time mum. She’s been showing excellent maternal instincts towards her baby and is gaining in confidence all the time.”
Voting for the naming competition closes on November 16.
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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