Archived Stories
Giraffe Calf Named
18th February 2009
Dublin Zoo is delighted to announce the name of the female giraffe calf that was born on 4th January. ‘Neema’ which means prosperous was chosen as the winning name.
Following a nationwide competition to find a name for the young giraffe, “Neema” meaning “prosperous” in Swahili, was chosen. Lucy Blacker, aged 6, from Swords in Co. Dublin was selected as the lucky winner!
Speaking about the competition earlier today, Helen Clarke, team leader at the African Plains said, “We had a really fantastic response to the competition. It was clear that a lot of effort went into the entries. Some entrants even sent us lovely giraffe drawings. There were some really fantastic African names entered but our team agreed that “Neema” meaning ‘born into prosperity’, was the most fitting name for our new giraffe calf! She is doing really well since birth and is quite genuinely prospering!”
Winner of the competition, 6 year old Lucy Blacker said, “My teacher gave us homework to pick a name for the baby giraffe. It was so much fun. I asked my mum and my dad to help me. I love coming to Dublin Zoo and I can’t wait to see “Neema” and call her by her new name!”.
Neema is thriving since her arrival and is already standing tall at 2 metres and weighing 50 kilograms! Her mother Jenny has been very attentive to Neema’s needs since her arrival and Neema’s older brother has been imitating his sister and has even been seeking milk from his mother!
Neema can be seen everyday in the giraffe house located in the African Plains with the other six members of the giraffe herd at Dublin Zoo.