Giraffe calf gets a name – chosen by you!
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Meet Mtoto, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s giraffe calf - his name means 'baby' in Swahili and was chosen in a vote by visitors to this website.
© ZSL - Christine Drabwell
Keepers struggled to come up with a name for the newest member of the herd, born to mum Savannah in July and so invited readers of the website to help pick the most appropriate.
Five names were on the shortlist: Mtoto, Twiga (giraffe in Swahili), Shingo (meaning neck), Bolt (after Usain Bolt, Olympic long-legged sprinter) and Puzzle, because the younster is curious.
An amazing 1,787 took part in the three-week 'election'. For a while it was 'neck and neck' between Mtoto and Puzzle, but a late surge saw 596 visitors opt for Mtoto, putting this name in the lead with 33% of the total votes cast.
Keepers are very pleased to have their naming problem solved. Team leader Cliff Tack thanked everyone who got involved: 'We are very pleased to name Mtoto and he is already proving a healthy baby - he has grown two feet since his birth and is now 8ft tall!'
