Name picked for new giraffe at Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The voting was close, but the Indianapolis Zoo’s newest member has a new name thanks to the community.

Voting for the male reticulated giraffe born on Jan. 9 was opened up to the public on the zoo’s Facebook page on Feb. 10.

The zoo said the voting was close and the giraffe’s name is Mshangao. The name means “amazement” or “surprise” in Swahili.

Nearly 4,000 people voted in the poll during the two weeks that voting was open.

Zookeepers say Mshangao is a spunky newcomer and is growing healthy and strong. They say he enjoys playing in the giraffe barn and snuggling up next to his aunt Ajabusana.

During the weekend warm up the young giraffe ventured outside in a private yard. Zoo visitors can expect to see Mshangao this spring.