One month after Woodland Park Zoo's giraffe Tufani gave birth to a baby girl, the zoo announced the little giraffe's name: Lulu, which means "pearl" in the African language Swahili.
The opportunity to name the zoo's tallest baby was awarded to Al Buckingham, who made a donation to the zoo's Jungle Party fundraiser, which raised over $1.5 million to support the zoo's animal care program.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to name the baby giraffe,” said Buckingham. “I grew up in Seattle and I love the zoo. It’s a wonderful organization."
Buckingham said he actually came up with four names for the baby giraffe; the giraffe's caretakers helped him decide on the winning name.
“I’m so happy we all decided on Lulu,” said Buckingham. “Of the four names, it was our favorite choice. It’s cute, simple to remember and has a great meaning, pearl.”
Incidentally, pearl is the the June birthstone.
Lulu was born on June 20; she was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed 149 pounds. Caretakers said she was born healthy and in good condition.
The zoo said she was the second viable giraffe birth since 2013 and the third in 20 years.
Members of the public can view Lulu at the Woodland Park Zoo.
