AND “JENGO” IS HIS NAME-O!” 

We are excited today to announce the winning Big name for our Big baby giraffe! JENGO was submitted by the Brade family of five who took some good family time and energy to research the perfect name for the curious and independent new zoo addition. Eight other entries were for the same name but Mona, Bill and Colleen were impressed by the explanation given by the Brade family. The family became instant media stars today and will be treated to a behind the scenes tour with giraffes down the road….even though they had a sneak peek today!  Over 3200 entries were submitted.



Submitted Explanation:
"After hearing about the naming contest for the new male giraffe we knew that the name had to be BIG for the Big Baby Boy! We did some research, both on the new male giraffe and on appropriate names for him, the best name that we could come up with together was "JENGO". There are a number of reasons we chose this name, first Jengo is a simple but yet unique name that will be easy for the Zoo staff and his keepers to use as well as for the many visitors the Zoo hosts each day, especially children. The name Jengo is from the African culture which is important to the Zoo in keeping with the animals’ origins. According to our research the name Jengo has two meanings which are both very fitting. The first meaning is strength and building...how appropriate as he was born the Zoo's tallest and biggest and with his personality traits; intelligent, curious and independent, these are all characteristics of an animal with strength. As well, with his arrival has brought great joy to the Zoo staff and its members and visitors...his arrival has helped 'build' the Calgary Zoo and bring a special and new excitement to The African Savannah building. (Our family favourite!) Secondly, the meaning of the name Jengo can also mean one with reddish complexion, as we have not seen the new giraffe in person, but according to the photos we have seen of him, he definitely has a reddish colour to his hair. Lastly, and on a more personal note as Jengo, meaning "building" is like the game Jenga where you have to build a tower with the pieces, this happens to be our favourite game as a family This name would hold great meaning to our family and to the giraffe as he was born at 6'6", he is sure to 'build' into a Strong Tower.”