World's only spotless giraffe born in US zoo: What you need to know

In an astonishing quirk of nature, a Tennessee zoo has unveiled an exceptional spectacle: the birth of a remarkably distinct giraffe with an entirely unprecedented twist to its coloring.

Prepare to meet the newest luminary of the animal realm at a Tennessee zoo - a spectacle that's breaking conventions by arriving without a single patch.

Imagine a giraffe like no other - a newborn female who made her entrance into the world on July 31. Standing tall at an impressive 6 feet, she defies the customary patchwork pattern we associate with giraffes.

Instead, she boasts an exquisite and uniform brown hue, setting her apart from her speckled counterparts.

This mesmerizing anomaly is currently under the vigilant watch of both her devoted mother and the attentive zoo staff at Brights Zoo.

A sight rarely witnessed, this singly colored giraffe challenges our preconceived notions of nature's artistic palette and adds a touch of wonder to the animal kingdom.

Here's the kicker - she might just be the world's only solid-colored reticulated giraffe, as suggested by the zoo. (The last time a spotless giraffe was possibly spotted was in the form of a calf born at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo back in 1972, as reported by CBS News.)

Now, you might be curious about the term "reticulated." It refers to the intricate network of polygonal brown spots that typically adorn giraffes.

But not her - she's flaunting a pristine look. These spots usually act as a form of camouflage in the wilds of northern Kenya, where these giraffes roam.

And here's the fascinating part - beneath each of these spots lies a complex web of blood vessels, as highlighted by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF).

A sprawling network of vessels and 25-pound hearts work in harmony to keep these towering creatures on their feet. So, while she might lack spots, she possesses a one-of-a-kind charm that's capturing hearts both within the zoo and beyond.

Tony Bright, the zoo's director, shared with local TV station WCYB, "Wild populations are quietly teetering on the edge of extinction, with 40% of the wild giraffe population disappearing in the past three decades.”

The zoo is brimming with excitement and has something in store for the crowd - they're launching a contest to christen this new giraffe sensation.

Here's the twist: choices for names include "Kipekee," Swahili for "unique"; "Firayali," translating to "unusual"; "Shakiri," conveying "she is most beautiful"; and "Jamella," hinting at "one of great beauty."

Cast your votes before Labor Day (September 4), when the winning name will be unveiled.

While giraffes might be facing challenges in the wild, here at the zoo, the focus is on infusing a dash of joy into the realm of conservation.