Animal Adventure Park announces the name of April the Giraffe’s calf

The votes were in, and after weeks of anticipation, April and Oliver’s calf has been given the name Tajiri, which stands for king, hope and confidence in Swahili. A large number of voters worldwide chose “Allysa’s Choice” in honor of Allysa Swilley, April’s keeper. 

Allysa, along with keeper Corey, chose the name Tajiri, which was recently announced on Good Morning America to millions of viewers. 

“Hope is something that Tajiri brought not only the global community, but giraffes as well,” stated Allysa. “This experience has given giraffes a voice and the species hope. We are also confident that we can move forward into a future where giraffes are no longer under threat.” 

Voting for the calf’s name took place in two rounds over a 15-day period. The funds raised by the voting will be distributed to giraffe conservation efforts in the wild, Ava’s Little Heroes, the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit and Animal Adventure Park. 

“We are proud of the powerful, hope-inspiring name Tajiri for our calf,” said Jordan Patch, owner of Animal Adventure Park. “We know the calf will carry the name well.” 

Animal Adventure is an interactive, educational animal park located in the hills of Harpursville, N.Y., which is 15 minutes outside of Binghamton, N.Y. The park’s mission is to communicate an appreciation for living things through the use of the human senses and to educate guests about the lives of its animal ambassadors.

Animal Adventure is federally licensed by the USDA; ensuring the same standards of care met by of zoos and aquariums in the United States. Zoologists, animal behaviorist, biologists, educators and general caretakers staff the park. 

The park is currently closed to the public and will open for the season on May 13. 

You can learn more by visiting www.aprilthegiraffe.com.