Young Male Giraffe Makes Lehigh Valley Zoo His New Home

Melissa Borland, President/CEO
Lehigh Valley Zoo
December 1, 2017

Schnecksville, PA – The Lehigh Valley Zoo announced today that Tatu, a 20 month old giraffe, arrived safely on Tuesday, November 28, 2017. Born on Ground Hog Day (Feb. 2) 2016, Tatu is approaching 2-years old and was recommended by the Giraffe SSP to be moved from Greenville Zoo, South Carolina to the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.
Tatu made the 650-mile trek from Greenville in an extra tall trailer. “To ensure a smooth transition from the Greenville Zoo, we worked together to secure experienced drivers who specialize in large animal transportation for zoos nationwide.” Said Melissa Borland, CEO/President of the Lehigh Valley Zoo. Being that Tatu and Murphy are not familiar with each other, Animal Care staff have worked with leading professionals in the zoo industry to create a successful integration plan between Tatu and Murphy. All interactions are progressing as planned. Members of the Animal Care Team are providing round the clock care, with rotating shifts spending the night sleeping in the barn. Lehigh Valley Zoo General Curator reports: “Our Tatu is doing great, and is already bonding with the keepers over his favorite treats of kale and grain.” Murphy and Tatu will be introduced gradually over the next several weeks.

Tatu the Giraffe Once an appropriate comfort level is achieved between Tatu and Murphy, short periods of interactions will be added to their daily routine. This process will continue over several months until the two giraffe are fully acclimated to the barn and one another. Understandably, Tatu will not be introduced to zoo guests until this process has been safely completed.At 20 months old, this is an important age for Tatu to begin bonding with and learning male giraffe behavior. By introducing Tatu to Murphy now, we can mimic the typical formation of a wild bachelor group and ensure that he develops the necessary male skills and behaviors as he develops into an adult. Living with a mature male giraffe will teach Tatu critical behaviors that he will need when it comes time for him to take a mate and Murphy will benefit from the stimulation of a companion. The addition of another male, as opposed to a female, is more appropriate for both giraffe, as Murphy is retired from breeding, and Tatu is too young to breed.When Tatu is ready to debut out in his yard, or in the day room of the barn, we’ll be sure to let everyone know. In the meantime, we encourage zoo guests to visit Murphy regularly over the winter months. Murphy enjoys the lettuce leaves the guests give him and having guests visit him keeps him moving and stimulated. Murphy needs mental and physical stimulation throughout the winter months and our guests are an essential part of Murphy and Tatu’s health care plan. This is why feedings are free November to March. We invite visitors to come out during the winter months, enjoy the animals in a different season, and continue to enrich Murphy with feedings and interactions. Please check our Facebook page to ensure the weather is appropriate for the free feedings to take place.“Here at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, animal care and welfare is our number one priority. All of your support, feedback and attentiveness to our mission, is what makes it possible for us to provide the care and expertise these animals need. The animals here are not just “animals” they are our family, and we hope they are a part of yours as well. Thank you for your continued support” said President & CEO Melissa Borland

Lehigh Valley Zoo’s mission is to help save species from extinction through animal conservation leadership and to provide leadership in conservation science by celebrating, studying, and protecting wildlife and their habitats. Since 1980 there has been a 40% drop in the giraffe population and giraffes are considered an endangered species. The primary threats to the Masai Giraffe is habitat loss as a result of expanding human populations and poaching. “Offering space and expert animal care to Tatu is another way our zoo participates in the international effort to protect this endangered species” said CEO/President Melissa Borland.

Lehigh Valley Zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville, PA 18078.

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About the Lehigh Valley Zoo:
As a member-supported non-profit organization, Lehigh Valley Zoological Society was founded in 2004, but as a treasured community landmark, the Zoo’s history spans over a century. Founded in 1906 by General Harry C. Trexler, a local industrialist, the Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Game Preserve has educated and entertained more than five million people.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Lehigh Valley Zoo hosts year-round, family-friendly events and activities, educational programs, and camps. With a mission to create a safe, engaging and enlightening wildlife experience for guests of all ages, the Zoo demonstrates leadership in the cultural, scientific and conservation communities. To learn more about Lehigh Valley Zoo, we invite you to visit our website, www.lvzoo.org, or follow us on Facebook.