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AMERICAN
WESTERN FLAMINGO
LOWLAND
GORILLA

Welcome to the Herd The introduction of an animal to a group is carefully planned

The introduction of a new animal to an already existing social and managed by our animal care specialists and based on the
group comes with unique challenges. For example, will the new species’ natural history and the prior experience of our team. When
animal be accepted by the group? “Animals normally found in 2‑year‑old reticulated giraffe, Asha, arrived from Zoo Miami in
packs, in groups, in troops, or herds should be kept in social May 2023, she was held separately but adjacent to the herd to allow
groupings whenever possible,” said Daniels. “If they are animals her time to acclimate to her new environment at Habitat Africa!
that rely on social companionship, we arrange to minimize The Savannah and the animal care specialists who would be caring
separation time, or they arrive at the Zoo in already established for her.
groups.” Her first contact with individuals in the herd was visual only.
After being quarantined and cleared by our veterinarians, a “She met the herd over the walls of the indoor giraffe facility so
new animal is often initially housed in a space adjacent to resident they could get to know each other slowly,” said Daniels. Then
animals. This is called a “Howdy” setting, said Daniels, and allows she shared space with the adult females—Arnieta and Jasiri—
animal care specialists to evaluate the behavior of new and existing one at a time. Asha arrived here on a future AZA SSP breeding
animals before introductions commence. recommendation with our 8‑year‑old bull, Ato.

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