April the Giraffe’s newest calf has a name: Azizi!

Fans cast their votes in an online naming contest, narrowing the options down to a pool of 20 names. Fans ultimately picked ‘Keeper’s Choice’, passing the big decision to the beloved giraffe care team. The team chose to honor one of the top 20 name selections voted on by our fans.

Azizi, having a few origins, with meanings that truly identify with the personality of the young male giraffe.  Precious, powerful, beloved, and “the mighty one” are descriptive of our independent calf, that will someday grow to a possible eighteen feet and weigh over 2,000 pounds.  Other top contenders included Finnegan, Apollo, and Zumi.

Oliver and April welcomed the healthy calf on Saturday, March 16th. He’s now weighing in at over 170 lbs, and stands 6’ tall!  Azizi is the park’s fifth giraffe.

Proceeds from the naming contest will support the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the park’s annual Ava’s Little Heroes fundraiser and Animal Adventure Park