Giraffe Won't Be Named After Late Medford Boy

MEDFORD, MA - The baby of internet sensation April the Giraffe will not be named after a Medford boy who died in April.

The family of Gio Maggiore pushed hard to have their late 6-year-old's name live on with the baby giraffe, one of Gio's favorite animals. While the voting resulted in 'Tajiri' being selected instead, Gio was able to get an entire region of people pushing along with his family's efforts.

Gio recently died at the age of 6 after a battle with a serious congenital heart defect and heterotaxy. He was a student at the Brooks School and his mother, Maya, teaches at the Columbus School.

His named was one of 10 being considered for April the Giraffe's newborn calf. And Medford Public Schools hoped he might be honored with his name passing on to one of his favorite animals.

Subscribe to Medford Patch for the latest local news

April, if you somehow hadn't heard, was the subject of a record-breaking live stream as she endured what seemed to be an never-ending labor at the Animal Adventure Park petting zoo in upstate New York. She finally gave birth over Easter weekend, around the time Gio was laid to rest.

So what's the connection? Gio, an awesome, emotive, joyful boy who encouraged so many after going through countless procedures, including multiple open heart surgeries, just happened to have natural giraffe connection. His first (and favorite) pacifier? It had a giraffe attached. His Halloween costume? A giraffe. And now his name is among the top 10 being considered for April's famous baby.

So even though "Patch" was one of other names being considered, we'd hoped you would go and vote Gio last week. You could also have donated to the Columbus School.

Voting ended April 30.

Photo courtesy of Medford Public Schools