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Birmingham Zoo Welcomes New Reticulated Giraffe – November 4, 2022

The Birmingham Zoo proudly welcomes three-year-old, female reticulated giraffe Ruby to our Zoo family!

Ruby arrived at the Birmingham Zoo last month from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).Ruby moved to your Birmingham Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation for breeding with our male giraffe, Jalil. The Birmingham Zoo joins the AZA and other zoos in maintaining the SSP Programs, cooperative breeding, and conservation initiatives. According to Annie Kaspar, Zoological Manager of Trails of Africa, “We are hopeful that Ruby and Jalil will pair up and mate. If so, we have a while to wait for the birth of their calf: about 15 months!”

Ruby has completed her health exam and routine quarantine and is now getting acclimated to her new home. She recently joined 16-year-old Jalil, and female giraffes Zuri (12) and Willow (14) on habitat in the Trails of Africa. “She is especially fond of Zuri,” says Kaspar, “and Jalil has already been seen gently vying for the attention of his potential mate.”

View Birmingham Zoo Announces Successful Elephant Tusk Procedure Press Release pdf HERE