Brevard Zoo Welcomes Baby Giraffe to the Park's Herd

At six feet and 152 pounds, Brevard Zoo’s newest resident is a bit larger than most babies (or fully-grown humans, for that matter). After a 15-month gestation period, mother Johari gave birth to the female giraffe calf on Sunday morning.
The newborn is not expected to make its public debut for several weeks while she bonds with her mother behind the scenes. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to monitor the Zoo’s social media channels for updates.

“Mom and baby are both doing very well,” said Michelle Smurl, director of animal programs at the Zoo. “We’re keeping a very close eye on them, which is critically important in the early stages of life.”

Although this is the Zoo’s eighth giraffe birth, these charismatic mammals are not faring as well in the wild due to habitat loss and civil unrest. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, their numbers have declined by more than 40% since 1998.

About Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo is a not-for-profit organization and a leader in wildlife conservation and education. The Zoo is home to more than 732 animals representing 180 species located in Florida, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo features many extraordinary animal experiences including giraffe and lorikeet feedings, African kayak tours, paddle boats in the wetlands and a train ride.

Brevard Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is at 4:15 p.m. Treetop Trek is open daily at 8 a.m. The last admission is 3 p.m. for the Treetop Challenge Course and 3:30 p.m. for the Canopy Walk and Chutes and Ladders courses. Parking is always free. 

Twenty-five cents of every admission to Brevard Zoo supports the Zoo’s conservation projects through Quarters for Conservation. Group discounts and adventure packaging are available. Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek are a half-mile east of I-95 at exit 191 on Wickham Road in Melbourne – 25 minutes from the Melbourne International Airport and 45 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. For more information, please call (321) 254-WILD.

PHOTOS: © 2015 Brevard Zoo. All Rights Reserved.