03/09/2025
Kipekee, the spotless giraffe, was born on July 31, 2023, at Brights Zoo in rural Tennessee. This rare reticulated giraffe has captivated people worldwide with her unique, deep chocolate brown coat, lacking the typical patterned camouflage. Kipekee's birth is attributed to a rare genetic mutation, making her likely the only spotless giraffe alive today.
*Key Facts About Kipekee:*
- *Age:* Born on July 31, 2023, Kipekee is currently over a year old.
- *Height and Weight:* At birth, she stood about 6 feet tall and weighed around 190 pounds.
- *Name:* Kipekee, meaning "unique" in Swahili, was chosen from over 40,000 global votes.
- *Species:* Reticulated giraffe, native to the Horn of Africa.
*Conservation Significance:*
Kipekee's rare appearance not only fascinates people but also highlights the fragile state of her species. Reticulated giraffes have experienced a 50% population decline in the past 35 years, leaving only around 16,000 in the wild. Her birth and global appeal can help raise awareness about giraffe conservation ¹.
*Interesting Behavior:*
- Kipekee stays close to her mother, Shenna, and is very curious about her surroundings.
- She enjoys exploring and nuzzling up to her mother.
- Zookeepers describe her as healthy, playful, and curious .
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