It started with a simple question: What should we name him? After a month of submissions, a week of voting, and one very patient giraffe calf — we're thrilled to announce that Fossil Rim's newest giraffe officially has a name.
Meet Kyle.
Born December 4, 2025, to mom Snorgie, this little guy has been winning hearts on Fossil Rim’s scenic wildlife drive since his first wobbly steps. Now, thanks to the creativity and generosity of our community, he has a name.
our community, he has a name.
How We Got Here
In March, we launched the Name Our Giraffe campaign and asked the public a simple question: What should we call him?
The response blew us away. Over the course of the month, 104 name submissions came in from supporters near and far - each one backed by a minimum $15 donation to Fossil Rim's conservation mission. Together, those contributions raised $2,340 for animal care, veterinary services, habitat maintenance, and conservation programs.
Our giraffe care team reviewed every single submission, scoring names on meaning, personality fit, pronounceability, and uniqueness. From that pool, they selected five finalists:
- Kyle
- Artemis
- Willie Neckson
- Spotacus
- Floyd
Then it was your turn.
The People Have Spoken
Public voting opened April 9, and over the next week, more than 1,300 votes came in. The energy was incredible - friends tagged friends, families rallied behind their favorites, and the competition stayed close. When voting closed on April 16, Kyle had earned the top spot. The name was submitted by Katie T. of Little Elm, Texas, who will receive a personalized certificate featuring a professional photo of Kyle, a private Safari Tour for up to four guests with a giraffe handfeeding experience,
and public recognition here on our site and social media.
Why Kyle?
Behind the winning name is a story that moved our community in a big way, and it's likely the reason so many of you cast your votes for Kyle.
Here's what Katie T. shared when she submitted the name:
"My son Kyle (22 years old) is severely autistic but LOVES giraffes! We buy a season pass and frequent your zoo (2 hours away) just to see the giraffes - no joke he JUST wants to see the giraffes! He is non verbal but can speak through pictures and some signs. He brings us his giraffe book daily asking to go see them! We joke that the giraffe is his spirit animal! When we are visiting, he wants to get out of the car and sit with them and brings his special blanket every visit hoping one of the giraffes can get in the car with him! Haha. It would be so amazing to know a giraffe was named after our special boy who adores giraffes more than anything!"
Now, one of them shares his name.
Thank You
To everyone who submitted a name, cast a vote, shared the campaign, or cheered us on - thank you! This campaign was about so much more than picking a name. It was a reminder that conservation works best when a community shows up for it.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward supporting the animals in our care and advancing our mission to conserve species and inspire the next generation of wildlife stewards.
Come Say Hi
Kyle can be spotted in the Preserve Pasture along the Gosdin Drive during regular hours — whether you're on a Self-Drive adventure or joining one of our guided safari tours. Stop by, say his name out loud, and see if he looks up. (We make no promises, but we think he's already learning it.)
Plan your visit at fossilrim.org/tickets/.