The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is excited about its latest tall arrival—a three-year-old female giraffe. According to FOX Baltimore, the juvenile giraffe, sourced from an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo, is spending some behind-the-scenes time acclimatizing to her new environment. The zoo's latest addition remains out of public view as she goes through a routine quarantine process and is introduced to the other giraffes in her new herd.
While the zoo's female giraffe, Kesi, and the unnamed newcomer are kept from the limelight, visitors can catch glimpses of the male giraffe, Caesar, outside when the weather cooperates. Understanding the delicate nature of their specked friends, zoo officials are taking a mindful approach to integration. "Giraffes are naturally cautious animals, so we’re giving our new female plenty of time to get acclimated," Mammal Curator Erin Cantwell Grimm explained in a statement cited by WMAR-2 News.
As part of welcoming the giraffe, the Maryland Zoo offers a unique opportunity for zoo supporters. Anyone donating $100 or more will be entered into a contest to name the new giraffe. The proceeds from this fundraising effort go directly towards the care of the animals and the zoo's wildlife conservation initiatives. As of her public debut, the unnamed giraffe will stand out with her height of 12 feet, which is still a sight to behold, although shorter than her giraffe companions. She also has distinctive lighter facial markings and a noticeable median horn, as reported by WMAR-2 News.
The Maryland Zoo's official website provides additional details and donation options for those eager to lend their support or learn more about the giraffe's transition and eventual integration into the Maryland Zoo community.
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