Giraffe Calf to Join the Herd
Posted at 1:00 pm November 28, 2005 by Debbie Andreen
Here’s a photo of Hodari, the newest addition to the San Diego Zoo’s giraffe herd. He currently weights 185 pounds (83 kilograms) and stands 6.8 feet (2 meters) tall. His keeper, Dustin Black, says that tomorrow (November 29) the protective barriers separating the little guy and his mother, Bahati, from the other giraffes will be taken down and Hodari will be free to roam with the herd! To make sure the youngster doesn’t accidentally fall into the shallow moat surrounding the giraffe enclosure, a thick line of white chalk will mark the edges of the giraffe’s territory.
Also, starting tomorrow, Hodari won’t have to come in early–he’ll get to stay out all day with the big guys.
You can purchase folivore biscuits to feed the Zoo’s giraffes between noon and 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Giraffes Abby, Silver, and Nicky would love to show you just how long their tongues are!
Debbie Andreen is the San Diego Zoo’s Web site editor.
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November 28th, 2005 at 7:59 pm
Oh my goodness! What a cutie!
I can’t believe this ‘little’ guy is just two weeks old. He’s grown almost a foot since his birth…it’s really amazing. (But we’re all reminded he’s a baby when he’s next to his momma…) Giraffes are such gentle beauties…can’t wait till this little one joins the herd! Please keep us posted, and thanks for the lovely picture!! 
November 29th, 2005 at 1:52 pm
what a cutie! Thank you for sharing him with those of us too far away to see him in person.