02
Aug
2012
Coal Valley, IL - August 1, 2012 - Niabi Zoo has announced the name for their male baby giraffe which was born on June 1st, 2012.
After hosting a naming contest for the month of July, the name Wally emerged as the winner. Wally was originally suggested as a finalist choice by Niabi Zoo zookeeper Carl Mohler, who came up with the name after shortening his first idea of Walter.
Three finalist names were chosen by zoo staff, and then voted on by zoo guests with their pocket change. The name which collected the greatest dollar amount was declared the winner.
Overall, the contest earned a total of $826.72, with the name Wally winning by a close margin, according to Zoo Director Marc Heinzman. "Wally only won by $20," said Heinzman. "It was an extremely close race this year. Last year's baby giraffe name, Miya, won over fifty percent of the total vote. This year all three choices were very evenly matched."
The choice of Wally earned a total of $306.01. The other two finalist name choices and their meanings were Jabali (strong as a rock) and Kofi (born on Friday). Jabali finished in second place with $285.36 and Kofi came in third with $235.35. All the proceeds from the naming contest will go toward the construction of a new elephant exhibit at Niabi Zoo.
After hosting a naming contest for the month of July, the name Wally emerged as the winner. Wally was originally suggested as a finalist choice by Niabi Zoo zookeeper Carl Mohler, who came up with the name after shortening his first idea of Walter.
Three finalist names were chosen by zoo staff, and then voted on by zoo guests with their pocket change. The name which collected the greatest dollar amount was declared the winner.
Overall, the contest earned a total of $826.72, with the name Wally winning by a close margin, according to Zoo Director Marc Heinzman. "Wally only won by $20," said Heinzman. "It was an extremely close race this year. Last year's baby giraffe name, Miya, won over fifty percent of the total vote. This year all three choices were very evenly matched."
The choice of Wally earned a total of $306.01. The other two finalist name choices and their meanings were Jabali (strong as a rock) and Kofi (born on Friday). Jabali finished in second place with $285.36 and Kofi came in third with $235.35. All the proceeds from the naming contest will go toward the construction of a new elephant exhibit at Niabi Zoo.
