Dallas Zoo Names Giraffe After Cancer Victim

James Sikes (courtesy: Sikes Family)

The Dallas Zoo’s baby giraffe officially has a name. She was named Jamie, after James Camden Sikes. The eight-month-old boy, who died of brain cancer, was fascinated with giraffes. His parents say he loved to touch the animals during his visits to the zoo. 

The Dallas Zoo asked the public to suggest names for its new baby giraffe. Friends and family members of the Sikes launched a campaign to name the female animal, Jamie, after James. 

James was nearly eight months old when doctors first discovered his brain tumor. Surgery removed 95% of the tumor, but it came back with a vengeance. The child passed away July 16, 2011.