Kizuwanda, with Kato at her side, gives Jonnie the once over.
I stretched up on my tiptoes to unlock a steel padlock and slid the pin holding the door shut over to the open position. Towering high above my head was one of my favorite giraffes, Kizuwanda. She was leaning over the boma wall, on alert, probably wondering what I was doing. “Ready?” I yelled to a fellow keeper, whom I couldn’t see but knew was inside the boma watching the giraffe while I unlocked the door. I heard a response and replied, “Okay, here we go!” I took one last look through a peephole and saw Kizuwanda staring at me, from a safe 10 feet (3 meters) away. I moved the pin, and with all my body weight, I pushed the heavy door open and quickly retreated to my truck. Most of our giraffes are pretty calm when keepers are on the ground near them, but Kizuwanda can be a little less trusting and was on high alert today: we were releasing her and her 4-week-old son, Kato, out into the field exhibit at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to meet the herd for the first time.
I’m aware that I am fortunate enough to have one of the coolest jobs ever, and I get to see so many amazing things every day, but giraffe introductions are up there with one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. Currently, we have a pretty big herd: nine males and seven females in the East Africa exhibit. They are quite social, so they are often found together in a big group, and it’s an amazing sight to see so many giraffes in one exhibit. Historically, we’ve had a successful giraffe breeding program, welcoming over 120 Uganda giraffe calves at the Safari Park!
Once the steel door was propped open, Kizuwanda didn’t waste any time and took off, galloping into the exhibit. I peered around the corner to see a deer-in-the headlights look on the face of a mini-giraffe confused by what he just witnessed. Moments later, instincts kicked in, and he was off, too, in a trot of awkward, gangly limbs, in desperate search of Mom. I got in the truck, maneuvered my way to the main part of the exhibit, and tried to catch up with the herd that was already racing off.
When a new calf joins the herd, it’s really exciting! The herd surrounds the newcomer, sniffs, investigates, and runs around the exhibit all together as if in some sort of victory lap. It’s really pretty amazing. Today was no different. Kato quickly got mixed up in a 17-foot-tall mass of spots, legs, necks, tails, and, of course, dust. They were all quite gentle with him but impatient to get their turn meeting the little one. This went on for about 20 minutes, interspersed with bouts of running, with Kato in the lead, probably just trying to get some space. Up until now, he’s only bonded with Mom and any giraffe heads that have peered over the maternity boma wall. I followed along in the truck until I was satisfied that this was a successful introduction. The giraffes had settled down, and the short burst of excitement was over.
Kizuwanda is back with her herd-mates, and Kato has been welcomed as the herd’s newest member. I feel confident that after this successful introduction, his place in the group will be assured.
Jonnie Capiro is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Read her previous post, A Creepy Night Watch. Follow Jonnie’s tweets from the field on the Safari Park’s Twitter feed.
thank you. that is very nice to know that Kato had a successful introduction – congrats. a couple years ago we drove by the giraffes at SDZ Safari Park and it was quite a sight to see the large group and variety of ages. the giraffes were very fast.
I was fortunate enough to do the trip out in the truck and feed the SP giraffes during my visit a couple years ago. It was very cool… and so amazing to view them up close. The male decided to block the path of the truck. Who was going to move? The truck lost and we drove around him… This was one of my favorite experiences on that trip.
Moderator’s note: A Caravan Safari does indeed take you right into the exhibit to experience our giraffes. Glad you had a good time, Dianna!
Thanks for letting us know what happened when you let Kizuwanda and little Kato out with the rest of the herd Jonnie. Poor Kato though. The gate opened, Mom took off and he was just left there wondering what to do next.
Jonnie, even though I am not familiar with the giraffe exhibit I could picture the scene thanks to your wonderful description of the introduction. A visit is certainly on my bucket list. Thanks!
Great photo and story of Kizu and Kato’s intro to the herd. Jonnie’s description of the event put me right in the middle of all the action. Good writer.
Happened to be there and got to see Kato with the group. He was running all over and around the grown ups! So cute!
We need a giraffe cam! That area has so much going on and it would be great to view all the different species throughout each day….I just happen toLOVE the giraffes!
Another giraffe calf! I’m guessing Saba is the father (again!) How many calves has he fathered, and does he get along with them?
Saba moved to another zoo in January, but while he was here he sired 22 offspring!
So who is at the zoo? That’s not Kato?
Moderator’s note: Just to clarify, Kato lives at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Yes! This has to be about the coolest job ever! I love giraffes. I am a regular viewer of Greenville’s giraffe cams. Walter is from Sandiego right, but the Zoo not the Wildlife Park. Are his Mom and Dad still alive? Who are they?
Has he any brothers or sisters?