Como Zoo Baby Giraffe Named After Frank Sinatra

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Como Zoo's new baby giraffe now has a name that's inspired by a zookeeper's affinity for Frank Sinatra.

"Frances" was born on Aug. 24. the 19th giraffe born at the zoo in the last 22 years.

"Over the years, while working behind the scenes, the animals and I would often listen to Frank Sinatra" said Pete Lee, who retired recently after 27 years at the zoo. "I've always suggested that a nice name for one of our beautiful creatures would be Francis, or Frances with an 'e' for a female."

At Lee's retirement party, all the guests' name tags read "Frances" or "Francis."

Described by the zoo as a "larger-than-life personality," Lee had a quick answer when he was asked how he felt about the baby giraffe's name.

"I'm over the moon," he said.

Frances was 135 pounds at birth and now stands more than 6 feet tall.