Double the Fun

For most RWP Zoo docents, the big news of the spring of 2002 has been the birth of our two baby Masai giraffes, Imara (depicted here) and Keana. We’ve watched as they peeked out from behind mother’s hindquarters and as they seemed to dare each other to touch muzzle to beak with the ostrich through the mesh of the paddock, galloping away as he pecks at them.

Here are the facts:
Imara was born to Sukari on April 4, 2002. Keana, also a female, was born to Amber on April 16th, 2002, in the back paddock while thousands of people thronged the zoo on spring vacation and caused a traffic jam at the viewing area. Both have grown a foot or so from their original six feet. Keana’s now (at the end of May) more like 250 pounds, while Imara is over 300. (As adults they’ll top 1200.) On alternate days they dance around the paddock or come into the barn to let papa Griffin have his turn outside. I’ve been amused at how different their personalities are: Imara is curious and adventuresome, Keana more the shy and retiring type. Videos of both births are on the zoo web page and it’s worth finding a computer to see them!

Clare Durst,
Docent