Weeks-old giraffe calf's name inspired by a long-time volunteer

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — The female Reticulated giraffe calf who was born on March 19 officially has a name - Hope.

Her name was inspired by a long-time volunteer of the Henry Doorly Zoo - Peg Pease, according to a press release from the zoo.

Pease has been volunteering as a docent since 1995, and she tells visitors about the giraffe herd every Tuesday morning in the Syd and Betty Cate Giraffe Herd rooms.

She has been referring to the calf as "Hope," and when the care team found out, they gave the calf that name.

"All of us have been 'hoping' this little girl survives, and our Keepers and Veterinary Care staff are doing great work to make that happen," Pease said. "As we provide 'hope' for this calf, she is also providing 'hope' for us and all of her wild counterparts."

Hope keeps getting around-the-clock care since her mother, Zola, didn't show the expected level of maternal care despite having a normal delivery.

Read more about Hope's birth here.