ATLANTA, 2014-03-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Newcomers Etana, Isooba and Zuberi and buddy Abu have formed a new herd
WHO: Wonder no longer about the identity of the three tall, handsome strangers in the African Plains habitat at Zoo Atlanta. Giraffe newcomers Etana, Isooba and Zuberi have joined the Zoo’s resident male, Abu, to form a dynamic new all-male herd.
WHAT: Etana, whose name means “strong,” and Isooba, whose name means “walks slowly,” are both 2 years old. Zuberi, whose name means “powerful,” is 3. New to Zoo Atlanta from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, the young males arrived in late 2013 and have since spent time getting to know Abu, 8. The new herd made its debut on exhibit on February 17.
Now that they’ve found a friend in Abu, Etana, Isooba and Zuberi will begin gradual introductions to their other animal neighbors: ostriches, lesser kudus and zebras. According to the Animal Management Team, the new giraffes appear to be curious about their surroundings, interested in people and certain to make many more new friends when giraffe feeding reopens on Twiga Terrace in April.
Abu’s former mate, adult female Glenda, has moved to Riverbanks Zoo, where she has joined a new herd of her own. Glenda is the mother of Zuri, the first giraffe calf born at Zoo Atlanta; Zuri also now resides at another zoo.
Stay tuned for updates on Etana, Isooba and Zuberi and the spring opening of giraffe feeding.
WHERE: Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30315
CONTACT: Keisha N. Hines, Director of Public Relations, Communications and Social Media
404.624.5980 – office
404.309.2238 – cell
khines@zooatlanta.org
About Zoo Atlanta
Founded in 1889 with the purchase of a bankrupt traveling circus, Zoo Atlanta celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2014. Viewed as one of the finest zoological parks in the U.S., the Zoo is a proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), with a mission to inspire value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with nearly 1,400 animals from around the world. Highlights include Mei Lun and Mei Huan, the only twin giant pandas in the U.S.; the nation’s largest zoological collections of gorillas and orangutans; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Up-close-and-personal experiences include giraffe feeding, permitting guests to hand-feed Earth’s tallest living land mammals, and behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters with African elephants, giant pandas, lemurs and Aldabra giant tortoises. The Zoo is open daily with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD.