Meet Iggy – She’s So Fancy!

More than 3,000 submissions poured in to help name the newest giraffe at the Virginia Zoo and by ZooKeeper vote, “Iggy” is her name!
Members of the public submitted their favorite names at virginiazoo.org Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23, 2017.  “We appreciate all the members of the community that participated in naming the baby. This naming contest gives our community the opportunity to be a part of the Zoo family,” comments Greg Bockheim, Executive Director. “The Zoo staff has been anxiously awaiting to call this baby giraffe by name.”

 

 

The female giraffe calf was born on June 4 to experienced mother Imara and father Billy. At birth, the calf weighed 149 pounds, and stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and was born with a birth defect called carpal laxity, where her front limbs appear to bow slightly backwards as she walks. “The calf has thrived in Imara’s care and is very strong. The vet staff and her keepers observed a huge improvement in her legs within the first weeks and her carpal laxity has now completely resolved.” said Dr. Colleen Clabbers, the Zoo’s Veterinarian.

 

All four Masai giraffes – Imara, Iggy, Noel and Billy, are now out on exhibit together in the Africa-Okavango Delta section of the Zoo.

 

Zoo fans can still show their support by “zoodopting” Imara and Iggy.  For just $50, Zoo Parents contribute to the animal’s care and feeding for one year, as well as provide specialized training for Virginia Zoo Keepers.
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