Fresno, CA – Fresno Chaffee Zoo has welcomed a new female Masai giraffe named Kiden.
Animal care staff worked to introduce Kiden to her new home and the other giraffes. Guests can now see her on the savanna in African Adventure when they visit.
“Kiden is doing great and is exploring her surroundings. The zookeepers that worked with Kiden described her as being very confident around other giraffes, so we expect her to be comfortable and confident on the savannas once she settles in. We look forward to watching her develop her role in the herd,” said Lead Zookeeper Michele Green.
Earlier this year, reticulated giraffe Tsavo moved from Fresno Chaffee Zoo to Oakland Zoo.
Through Tsavo’s move, Chaffee Zoo received a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) to welcome Kiden from Oregon Zoo.
“Our decision to focus on Masai giraffe was primarily at the request of the Species Survival Plan. Their population is smaller and less represented in US zoos and they are primarily housed at West Coast accredited zoos. Transitioning to Masai giraffes allows for more collaboration with our regional partners in supporting this species as well as safer, quicker moves between facilities.” said Lyn Myers, General Curator.
Kiden is three years old and weighs approximately 1,142 pounds. The Zoo is currently home to three other Masai giraffes: Betty Lou, Fenny, and Siku. The Zoo also has two reticulated giraffes: Jabari and Baba.
