FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2008
Contact:
Drew Smith
(901) 333-6568
[email protected]
Second Baby Giraffe Born in Two Months at the Memphis Zoo
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – For the second time in almost as many months, a baby reticulated
giraffe was born at the Memphis Zoo.
Shortly after 7 a.m., “Sarabi,” a 13-year-old reticulated giraffe gave birth to the new
female calf while she was standing in the Giraffe night house. Shortly after being born,
the still to be named baby began to walk and nurse. That step made zookeeper Richard
Meek very happy.
“Giraffes usually stand within an hour of being born,” said Meek. “This one stood and
started nursing very quickly, so we were very pleased.”
This baby is the third born at the Memphis Zoo in less than 2 years. Female “Angela
Kate,” was born November 5, 2006, and male “Kofi” was born earlier this year, on
August 29. All three were fathered by “Kenya,” who also resides at the Memphis Zoo.
Kofi has already met the new calf, and the two young giraffes are getting along very well.
They’ll both be out in their exhibit for visitors to see starting Saturday morning. With the
newest addition, the Memphis Zoo now has six reticulated giraffes.
On Monday, October 20, visitors will be able to go to memphiszoo.org and vote on a
name for the newest member of the Zoo’s giraffe herd.
Reticulated giraffes are found in Africa on the savannah and open woodlands of
northeast Kenya. They can grow between 15 and 17 feet tall with females weighing
2,500 pounds and males a ton more.
Photos of the baby giraffe are available upon request.
-more-
About the Memphis Zoo:
The Memphis Zoo, located in Memphis, Tenn., is home to more than 3,500 animals
representing over 500 different species. Recently named as the top zoo in the country by
TripAdvisor®, the Memphis Zoo has completed over $77 million in renovation and
expansion since the early 1990s. The Zoo's animal inhabitants reside in one-of-a-kind
exhibitry, such as Once Upon A Farm, Commercial Appeal Cat Country, Primate
Canyon, Animals of the Night, Northwest Passage and CHINA - home to giant pandas
Ya Ya and Le Le. The Zoo was founded in 1906 and resides on 70 acres in the middle of
Overton Park. The Memphis Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums. Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.
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