For the past month, guests visiting Safari West have watched our young giraffe calf take some very important first steps.

Born on April 12, 2026, this little one has spent his first weeks growing stronger each day — learning bottle feedings, exploring the world around him, and slowly beginning to show the personality his caregivers already know so well.

And now, it’s finally time for one more important milestone:

His name.

At Safari West, names are never chosen casually. They reflect personality, spirit, milestones, and the unique relationships that form between animals, caregivers, and the people who come to know them over time. A name becomes part of an animal’s story — and often part of ours too.

Over the past several weeks, the calf’s animal care team has spent countless hours with him through feedings, weigh-ins, enrichment, and all the quiet moments in between. Along the way, they’ve chosen a short list of favorite names they feel truly fit this little giraffe and the journey he’s already begun.

And now, we’d love your help choosing the one that feels just right.

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Dogo – Swahili for “small”, “little” or “little one”

Tiny Tim

Uduvi – Swahili for “shrimp”

Arthur

Kwesi – Ghanaian for “boy born on Sunday” (rhymes with crazy)

Henry

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No purchase is necessary to vote for a name. The information you submit (name and email) will not be sold. If you are not already subscribed to our email communications, you will be added to our email list to receive fundraising updates, offers, promotions, and news. You are free to unsubscribe from these communications at any time. The name will be chosen based on the one with the most votes. Voting will be open until 12 pm (PST) Sunday, May 24, 2026. The name will be revealed by Tuesday, May 26, 2026 first through email, followed by our social profiles.

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Close by through many of those early days has been Cider, our young Watusi calf, who seems to have formed an early friendship with his giraffe companion. Watching the two together has quickly become one of those moments guests and caregivers alike have fallen in love with.

The names selected by the caregivers each carry their own meaning and connection to this calf’s personality, spirit, and story.

As you help choose the name that will become part of this calf’s story, we’re grateful for everyone who has followed along on his journey so far.

If you’d like to further support the care, feeding, and veterinary attention that help young animals like him grow and thrive, donations to Safari West’s animal care programs are always appreciated.