UPDATE: The wait is over and we can now welcome "Wally" as the newest giraffe to be born at Niabi Zoo. Wally was born on June 1, 2012 and the zoo staff decided not to immediately name the female calf.
The zoo picked three names and let the public vote on the winner by dropping pocket change into boxes labeled with the names. Zookeepers say the other two choices were Jabali, which means "strong as a rock," and Kofi, which means "born on Friday."
The contest brought in more than $800, and zoo director Marc Heinzman says it was close, with the name Wally winning by only about $20.
Original Story: The Niabi Zoo needs your help in naming one of their newest additions. On June 1st a female baby giraffe was born at Niabi. Three finalist names have been chosen and zoo visitors are being asked to help choose the baby's name.
In order to cast a vote, zoo officials are asking visitors to "vote with their pocket change." Zoo director, Marc Heinzman says that "the name with the highest dollar amount will win." According to Heinzman, all proceeds will go toward the Zoo's efforts to build a new elephant enclosure.
The names are Jabali (meaning strong as a rock), Wally (a zookeeper favorite choice) and Kofi (born on a Friday). The ballot boxes are located at the giraffe building. The naming contest will run for the entire month of July, with the winning name announced on August 1st.
Courtesy of Malora Redman - Port Byron, IL.
