Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

The Zoo’s new giraffe calf has a name! The Masai giraffe calf born on August 31, 2022, to mom, Zuri, and late father, Enzi, has officially been named “Charlie,” and we think the 6-foot-tall cutie is quite fitting of this name.

Charlie’s name has a very special story as it was selected by incredible donors, community and Zoo advocates, Dr. Kristina Johnson—who happens to be President of The Ohio State University (OSU)—and her wife, Veronica Meinhard.

Veronica and Kristina thought long and hard about the perfect name for the “little” guy and decided on Charlie to honor Kristina’s grandfather, Charles Wood Johnson, who graduated from OSU in 1896 with a degree in electrical engineering. He also played right guard for the Buckeyes’ football team!

They shared the wonderful news over the Thanksgiving holiday with three generations of the Johnson family. Said the couple, “We are so proud to support the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium while honoring Kristina’s family and their proud history with The Ohio State University. And, after meeting Charlie, we know he will bring joy to all who meet him.”

The funds provided by Kristina and Veronica will go a long way to support the construction of a new giraffe barn at The Wilds as well as the support of the Zoo Fund, which helps every animal, including Charlie, to thrive and live healthy lives.

We can’t thank Kristina and Veronica enough for all they do to support the Zoo and The Wilds!