Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has welcomed "Bo," a 13-year-old male Masai giraffe from Racine Zoo in Racine, Wisconsin.
Bo is nearly 17 feet tall, which makes him Cleveland's tallest giraffe. He joins female giraffes Jhasmin, Jada and Adia and 3-month-old male Zawadi. Bo will be off-exhibit temporarily as he is introduced to the herd.
Bo was recommended to come to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to breed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for giraffes. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of approximately 230 facilities accredited by AZA, a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums by prioritizing the highest standards of animal care and welfare and a focus on conservation.
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Link to downloadable b-roll video footage)
Jabari, a 3-year-old male Masai giraffe, was moved from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to Racine Zoo to serve as a companion to Racine's other male giraffe, also based on a recommendation by the AZA.
"As an AZA-accredited zoo, we work closely with other accredited partners to increase the conservation of endangered species including giraffe," said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar, PhD. "We're pleased to welcome Bo to Cleveland where he will be able to best serve a future for his species at home and in the wild."
The current giraffe population globally is estimated to be less than 80,000. Their numbers are declining across Africa - the population has decreased by nearly 40% in the last 15 years.
Visitors to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo can visit the giraffes at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter in the African Savanna area which offers exclusive hand-feeding opportunities (dependent on weather) as well as information on how to secure a future for giraffes in the wild.
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Since 1995, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has contributed more than $6 million to wildlife conservation efforts in partnership with Cleveland Zoological Society. Each year the Zoo contributes more than $600,000 annually to conservation programs, the vast majority come from community donations. While visiting Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, guests can take action to secure a future for wildlife. Visitors can donate through 'Quarters for Conservation,' 'round-up' for conservation programs at Zoo retail locations and donate to the Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Fund. To learn more or join our conservation community, visit
futureforwildlife.org.
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Cleveland Metroparks Media Contacts:
External Communications Coordinator
Jeffrey Tolman, 216-635-3274
Chief Marketing Officer
Kelly Manderfield, 216-635-3202
