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MEDIA
RELEASE
November 1, 2011
CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Amani” is New Baby Giraffe Name Following Zoo
Visitor Vote
The Louisville Zoo’s newest baby giraffe will
now be called “Amani” after a month-long naming contest. “Amani” means
“peace” in the Swahili language. Zoo visitors had until October 31st to
vote for their favorite name via coins and bills in the appropriate slot
at a naming kiosk on the Zoo’s front plaza.
Amani, a 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.
Amani is currently on exhibit daily, weather
permitting.
All of the proceeds of the naming contest will
go to the care and feeding of Amani and the other animals at the Zoo.
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.
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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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