'Kipekee,' the spotless giraffe born at Tennessee zoo, has died

LIMESTONE, Tenn. — Kipekee, the spotless giraffe born at Brights Zoo in Tennessee in 2023, has died, according to a post from the zoo.

Officials said she was the only spotless giraffe on Earth at the time of her birth in July 2023.

"It is with overwhelming sadness that Brights Zoo shares the heartbreaking news that Kipekee has passed away late this afternoon," the zoo said.

Kipekee's name, which is Swahili for "unique," was given to her after a naming contest soon after she was born. The zoo said it was working closely with the zoo's giraffe vets and consultants, Dr. Bergman and Dr. Lacovara, as well as the University of Tennessee, to understand what happened.

"Kipekee touched the hearts of millions of people around the world — and she held a very special place in the hearts of those