Denver Zoo needs help in naming its baby giraffe

Zoo officials set up live baby cam for the newborn

The Denver Zoo doesn’t have baby blues after welcoming its baby giraffe Friday, but it is having trouble deciding on a name.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance announced on Friday that BB, a four-year-old female reticulated giraffe, gave birth to the first baby giraffe to be born at the zoo since Dobby — the oldest giraffe in the herd — was born in 2017.

“The teams have been watching cameras throughout the night during her birth window to check for signs of labor,” Curator of Large Mammals Maura Davis said in a recent press release. “Little feet were seen at about 4 a.m., and the calf was on the ground at 6 a.m. BB is doing a great job!”

Don’t worry, those wanting to see the baby can do so on the zoo’s YouTube channel — where a livestream of the habitat is constantly running.

Now, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is looking for help naming the little guy.

The global nonprofit connected to the zoo is holding a vote on three names for the calf, with all proceeds going toward the organization’s mission to protect animals in their natural habitats around the world.

The names are:

  • Dagg – In honor of late giraffe research Dr. Anne Innis Dagg
  • Thorn – A favorite woody food source for giraffes
  • Kujali – Meaning “to care” in Swahili

Votes and donations can be given at the zoo’s website.

As of Thursday morning, Thorn is taking the lead with over $8,000 raised. Kujali is close behind with over $7,000 and Dagg has slipped to the bottom with over $3,000.

BB endured a 444-day-long pregnancy. The currently unnamed calf was born after a three-and-a-half-hour labor.

“We are over the moon about the newest addition to our giraffe herd,” said Jordan Baur, Lead Animal Care Specialist for Hoofstock, in the release. “It’s been eight years since Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance welcomed a giraffe calf, and this little one is already following in Dobby’s “hoof” steps and stealing our hearts. BB is an incredible mom, and the calf seems to be just as friendly and curious as his parents.”

BB and her baby will remain in their indoor habitat as they bond and adjust to their surroundings, zoo officials said. They’ll then be introduced to the father, Jasiri, and ‘uncle’ Dobby before making their public debut. Until then, the indoor giraffe habitat will be closed off to visitors.

The Denver Zoo's new baby giraffe smooches mother BB after being born on Friday, March 7, 2025. The zoo is still looking for a name for the calf, allowing patrons to vote on their website. (Courtesy of the Denver Zoo)
The Denver Zoo’s new baby giraffe smooches mother BB after being born on Friday, March 7, 2025. The zoo is still looking for a name for the calf, allowing patrons to vote on their website. (Courtesy of the Denver Zoo)

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