The Birmingham Zoo’s new baby giraffe’s name is revealed with dad, Jalil. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Between April 26 and 28, more than 8,200 Birmingham Zoo friends across the region voted on the zoo’s social media sites and selected “Mopane” as the baby giraffe’s name. Pronounced “Mo-Paw-Nee,” the name represents an African tree with leaves eaten by giraffes.
Mopane’s dad, Jalil, announced the name in a reveal to Birmingham Zoo employees on April 30. A video of the reveal can be seen on the Birmingham Zoo’s Instagram account at “bhamzoo.”
The name Mopane received nearly 3,000 votes and was followed by Binti (“daughter” in Swahili), Zahara (“flower” in Swahili) and Kabira (“powerful” in Swahili).
Mopane was born to mother Ruby and father Jalil on April 17 at 12:19 a.m. This adorable newcomer marks a significant milestone for the Zoo’s Trails of Africa section, expanding the giraffe herd from four to five members.
When to see Mopane: Ruby and Mopane have access to the outside habitat Wednesday through Sunday each week from 10 a.m. to noon. The pair may come and go, but will have access to the outside yard. Dad Jalil participates in giraffe feedings daily from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. All activities are subject to change because of weather, staffing, or the ever-changing needs of the animals.
