Giraffe Archives | Randolph News Now

Dec142023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Mourns Tragic Loss of Giraffe Calf

NC Zoo

(Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO)-– The North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, the beloved six-month-old giraffe calf, whose birth and presence at the Zoo delighted individuals around the world. A grief counselor has been brought in to support staff members as they navigate the emotions associated with this tragic loss. Fenn was nursing when he became unexpectedly startled by another giraffe. He bolted, colliding with a nearby gate and falling to the ground. Unfortunately, Fenn sustained head and neck trauma from the fall and passed away late evening Dec. 13 despite receiving rapid medical intervention from veterinary staff. Fenn was born at the North Carolina Zoo on May 20, 2023, to a first-time mother, Leia (14), and fathe...

Aug122023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

Summer Underway at NC Zoo

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. - With Asia not expected to be completed until 2026 it's easy to think there isn't much to do or see at the North Carolina Zoo this summer, but you'd be wrong. From adorable babies, an impressive dog show, and newly renovated habitats, this summer is the perfect time to take a trip to the Zoo. Canine Champions for Conservation Alyssa Buller watches as one of her dogs performs during the Canine Champions for Conservation attraction at the NC Zoo. [Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] Chris Collier and Alyssa Buller will be at the North Carolina Zoo this summer with their highly trained dogs for a show that features jumps, obstacle courses, and other demonstrations. Collier and Buller have performed all over the country, and their dogs have even been featured on sea...

Jun222023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

NC Zoo Announces Winning Name for Giraffe Calf

NC Zoo

Photo provided by NC Zoo ASHEBORO N.C. - The North Carolina Zoo has announced the name chosen by the public of the giraffe calf born last month on May 20th. With more than 100,00 total votes the Zoo announced that out of the six choices, the winning name is “Fenn.” The other names offered were, “Nelson,” after Nelson Mandela, “Mosi”, African name used for firstborn son, “Tamu” Swahili for sweet, “Jackson” The calf's dad is named Jack, Son of Jack, and “Bongani” This Zulu name means grateful, thankful. Fenn was chosen after the founders of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Julian, and Stephanie Fennessy. World Giraffe Day is celebrated every year on June 21. Fenn was about six feet tall and 145 pounds when he was born on May 20th of 2023, and is expected to grow to 1...

Jun52023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Three Births Announced at NC Zoo

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. - The North Carolina Zoo has announced the births of a giraffe calf, an infant chimpanzee, and three Sand Cat kittens, all in less than two weeks. Sand Cat Kittens Photo provided by NC Zoo Three sand cat kittens (sexes unknown at this time) were born on May 11. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the kittens were born to first-time mother Sahara, 3, and father Cosmo, 9. This marks the first litter for the sand cat pair. Cosmo previously fathered daughter Layla, now living at the Greensboro Science Center. The mom and triplets are doing well. The trio are beginning to explore their surroundings in the Desert Habitat. Lucky guests may be able to catch a glimpse of them in the coming days. Though they appear adorable with big ears, eyes, and petite...

Apr52023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

NC Zoo Announces they are Expecting Giraffe Calf this Spring

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. - "We're Expecting," that was the announcement from the North Carolina Zoo on social media as they prepare for a new giraffe calf as soon as this spring. In a post on Facebook on March 30th, 2023, the NC Zoo said that Jack and Leia, two of the Zoo's giraffes are expecting parents. A baby giraffe, also called a calf, may look small, but when they are born, they are up to six feet tall and weigh anywhere from 110-150 lbs. Mother giraffes carry their baby through a gestation period of 15 months (400-470 days), which is necessary to allow the calf to mature so that it can stand, walk, feed, and keep up with the pack within just an hour or so of being born. Due to the impending birth, the giraffe herd may not be visible in their habitat. As giraffes are herd animals...