Rothschild giraffe offspring at Leipzig Zoo is named Kiano

The youngest offspring of the Rothschild giraffes at Leipzig Zoo has been given the name Kiano. It means something like joy or whirlwind, the zoo announced on Saturday. There were more than 1700 suggestions for the name of the young animal, which was born at the beginning of January. The keepers of the Kiwara savannah selected their five favorites and put them to the vote. Kiano came out on top.

"Whirlwind currently describes his character very well", explained head of the department Jens Hirmer in a statement. Kiano is very curious, likes to do a little sprint and is playful with his half-sister Niara. Since his birth, he has developed in an exemplary manner.

The second giraffe birth within a year is an absolute stroke of luck for the zoo, emphasized Director Jörg Junhold. The 25,000 square meter savannah is one of the visitors' favorite places. In addition to the giraffes, zebras, ostriches, gazelles, flamingos and antelopes can also be found here. Junhold: "For us, the regular breeding success of all the animal species in the savannah is also proof of successful community husbandry."