Meet Niara, The Living Desert's Baby Giraffe

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens announced the name of its giraffe calf born on Oct. 28 in Palm Desert.

Out of thousands of entries, staff members chose the idea of Jeannie Green of Ashland, Ore, who submitted the name "Niara," a Swahili girls' name meaning "one with high purpose."

The Living Desert had asked for the public's help in the naming process.

Green will receive a year-long Family Membership to The Living Desert, four tickets to its signature holiday event, Wildlights and get to meet the calf during a private giraffe feeding with their family, according to  Nyla Patzner, a spokeswoman for The Living Desert.

Green said she chose the name because of its meaning.

"We are members of The Living Desert and love visiting and bringing friends whenever we come to the area - several times each year. I look forward to meeting 'Niara' very soon," she said. 

Niara weighed 50.5 kilograms (111.1 lbs) and stood 5 ft, 9 inches tall when she was born on Oct. 28. She has stayed close to her mother's side and has been participating with the adult giraffes during public feedings.