FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  March 4, 2010

CONTACTS:     

Tara Henson (405) 425-0219, (405) 919-9038 cell, or thenson@okczoo.com

Candice Rennels (405) 425-0298, (405) 412-6172 cell, or crennels@okczoo.com

NEW BABY STANDS TALL AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo is head over heels with excitement–we have a new baby giraffe! On January 17, 2010, a female giraffe was born to first-time parents Ellie and Bogy. This is the first giraffe birth at the Zoo in ten years! Proud dad, Bogy was the last calf to be born at the Zoo on May 20, 2000. The baby is doing well and is ready to make her big debut!

The calf, Keyara (key-aura) whose name is of African origin and means “beautiful river” has been indoors since her birth due to unfavorable weather conditions. As the temperature rises to 50 degrees or above, she will be spending time outside in the giraffe yard with her mom.   

After a gestation period of approximately 15 months, a single calf is born. Giraffes give birth while standing and unlike humans, the baby comes out hooves-first. The baby then proceeds to stand, usually within one hour after birth. In the wild, it is important for a newborn giraffe to be able to stand quickly to elude predators. At birth, giraffes weigh around 150 pounds and stand six feet tall.

The tallest animal on earth, giraffes can grow to stand 19 feet and weigh more than 3,000 pounds. Giraffes are best known for their long necks, which have only seven vertebrae–similar to a human’s neck. This physical characteristic allows them to browse on high ranging foliage beyond the reach of competing antelopes and to watch for predators such as lions.

 In the wild, giraffes can be found living in loose open herds in the savannas of Africa. Their pale buff coats are boldly marked with irregular chestnut or dark brown blotches which help to camouflage them in their surroundings. In addition, giraffe markings are unique with no two animals displaying the same pattern.

Make spring break plans to visit the Zoo and meet Keyara, our new giraffe. Remember, Keyara will be outside when the temperature is 50 degrees or higher. And while visiting, allow some “play” time in the new Children’s Zoo which opens Friday, March 12! Come on, the wild is calling! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, the Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with exhibit buildings closing at 4:45 p.m.  Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages three-11 and seniors 65 and older.  Children two and under are free.  For more information about the Zoo, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.com.    

-okczoo-