Hold onto your safari hats, everyone!

A one-of-a-kind baby giraffe was born last month – and she’s missing the signature spots we all associate with these tall wonders.

Brights Zoo, located in Limestone, Tennessee, has announced that she’s the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe in existence.

Now, what’s a reticulated giraffe?

Well, they’re a subspecies of the majestic giraffes we all know and love.

While the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, a dedicated organization for our long-necked friends, hasn’t officially commented, sources suggest this unique birth is definitely rare.

Brights Zoo, nestled in the picturesque Washington County, Tennessee, is abuzz with excitement.

This reputable USDA-licensed institution, accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), shared a photo of the spotless beauty.

She’s still quite the tall order though, standing at 6 feet already, even though she was born on July 31!

People can’t help gawking at her unique look.

An enthused statement from the zoo highlighted, “Giraffe experts believe she is the only solid-colored reticulated giraffe living anywhere on the planet.”

But here’s a fun twist: she doesn’t have a name yet!

The zoo is turning to the global community to christen her.

On August 22, a naming contest will launch on their Facebook page.

Some of the captivating suggestions include Kipekee (Swahili for ‘unique’), Firyali (meaning ‘unusual or extraordinary’), Shakiri (‘she is most beautiful’), and Jamella (‘one of great beauty’).

What’s your pick?

You can submit your vote on their Facebook page here.

This little girl’s birth is significant for several reasons.

“This special giraffe’s birth is remarkable for many reasons, but maybe most importantly, it will help bring attention to the serious challenges the rest of her species face in the wild,” says the zoo.

Tony Bright, the passionate founder of Bright’s Zoo, emphasizes, “The international coverage of our patternless baby giraffe has created a much-needed spotlight on giraffe conservation. Wild populations are silently slipping into extinction, with 40% of the wild giraffe population lost in just the last 3 decades.”

This special girl can shed light on the issue at hand helping her species in the process.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a spotless giraffe has been seen.

A 1967 video from the WPA Film Library showcased a similar beauty in a Tokyo zoo.

But why are these spots so important?

According to a 2018 research article from the respected Zoological Science journal, these spots aren’t just for show.

Studying the Masai giraffes of East Africa, researchers found these spots play a role in survival.

They’re “likely to be heritable”, passed from parent to child.

Larger or uniquely shaped spots might even increase a giraffe’s chances of thriving in the wild.

Furthermore, the Giraffe Conservation Foundation has revealed a cool fact: each spot acts as a thermal window, with underlying blood vessels releasing body heat.

So, they’re basically nature’s air conditioners!

Giraffes have long fascinated us.

Remember April the Giraffe?

Nearly 1.2 million people tuned in to watch her give birth live in 2017.

This reticulated giraffe from Harpursville, New York, garnered worldwide attention, but sadly passed away in 2021.

We can only hope our new, spotless star will continue to inspire love and care for her species.

See the beautiful baby giraffe for yourself in the video below.