Yesterday, Reid Park Zoo released Watoto, a 2 year old male giraffe, into the public viewing area, joining the two existing female giraffes on display.
Watoto was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park on August 11, 2005, and was brought to Tucson to replace Yebo, who died in April at age 17. Zoo officials hope that Watoto will “contribute to the nationwide giraffe population management plan” as he matures over the next couple of years.
Described as “very mellow,” zoo employees say Watoto should be ready to participate in the Giraffe Encounter feedings at 10am daily.
Reid Park Zoo is open 9am to 5pm daily. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children under 15, and $4 for seniors. Giraffes are on exhibit from 9am to 4pm. Giraffe Encounter feedings are at 10am daily, for $2 per person, and allows participants to hand feed the giraffes. On weekends, there’s an additional feeding at 2pm.
I think the giraffes are my favorite animal at the Reid Park Zoo. It isn’t an enormous zoo, but it’s enough to keep you interested, and a great place to visit for a little walkabout after lunch. Admission prices are reasonable, and you can buy season subscription tickets if you visit often. This picture is of the giraffes at the zoo in Melbourne, Australia.
June 22nd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Sorry, I’m a little dense today. Explain how the “nationwide giraffe population management plan” works exactly.
-Athol
June 22nd, 2007 at 8:20 pm
It’s okay, Watoto needs 2 more years before he should figure it out, I’m certain you can think of a good explanation by then (cue the Barry White).