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MEDIA
RELEASE
September 19, 2011
CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zoo Visitors to Vote For Baby Giraffe Name:
Amani, Twiza & Tanisha
Louisville
Zoo staff have chosen three potential names for a female
baby giraffe born earlier this Summer. Zoo visitors will
have through October 31, 2011 to vote for their favorite
name via a kiosk on the Zoo’s front plaza. Votes can be
placed by making a contribution of coins or bills into the
slot representing their favorite name. The name with the
highest total donations will be declared the winner and
announced when the donations are tallied. All proceeds
support the Zoo’s efforts to provide excellent care for
animals, a great experience for our guests and a better
future for all living things.
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Amani –
Means “peace” in the Swahili language.
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Twiza –
Means “giraffe” in the Shona language (of Zimbabwe). Shona
folklore tells about 'Twiza', the gentle giraffe who was so
captivated by God's voice that she stretched her neck out as far as
possible to hear better.
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Tanisha –
Means “born on Monday” and is associated with being intuitive,
affectionate and inspiring. It is also of African origin.
ABOUT THE BABY
GIRAFFE:
The female baby Masai
giraffe was born at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2011 to 22-year-old
Mariah at the Louisville Zoo. Walker, the Zoo’s 17 year-old male giraffe
is the father. The baby was a healthy 5’10” tall and 140 lbs at birth.
Her addition brings the Zoo’s giraffe population to six.
The Louisville Zoo has
had a successful giraffe breeding program over the years and this calf
is the 21st giraffe to be born in the Zoo’s 42 year history.
The baby giraffe is
currently on exhibit daily, weather permitting.
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The
Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky,
is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by
providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for
visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation
education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of
Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
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Get
up-to-date information about the Zoo’s upcoming Glacier Run exhibit
by checking out our new
Glacier Run blog. You can also show your love for the Louisville
Zoo by becoming a fan on
Facebook and
Twitter.
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