“Mtembei” and Zoo’s Second Giraffe Calf, “Kimba,”

Expected to Leave Zoo by Month’s End

Providence, RI – “Mtembei,” the giraffe that thrilled Roger Williams Park Zoo visitors last spring with his on-exhibit birth, turns one year old on May 5^th. The Zoo will commemorate the day by offering Mtembei some special treats on his birthday, but the celebration will be bittersweet - both he and the Zoo’s other giraffe calf, “Kimba,” are set to leave for the Cincinnati Zoo sometime around the end of May.

“Both our staff and our visitors have greatly enjoyed watching Mtembei and Kimba grow over the last year, and I would encourage everyone to come out and see the calves one last time before their departure,” said Tim French, director of animal care at the Zoo. “Although they’ll be missed, we’re excited about the important role they’ll play in efforts to build the captive population, and the role they’ll continue to play in encouraging zoo visitors to appreciate and care for the species.”

The calves, who are now reaching maturity, are relocating to the Cincinnati Zoo in accordance with recommendations from the Giraffe Population Management Plan (PMP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). There are currently about 80 Masai giraffes in AZA accredited zoos in North America; the species is considered to be threatened in the wild.

Mtembei was born on exhibit at 4:23 p.m. on May 5, 2007, as Zoo visitors looked on. Sukari, the calf’s mother, delivered Mtembei after about 15 months’ gestation and 90 minutes of labor. The calf measured approximately six feet tall and weighed in at between 125 and 140 pounds at birth.

The Zoo held a public contest to name the calf. “Mtembei,” which is Swahili for “one who roams,” was selected as the winner by Zoo officials from among more than 6,000 entries. Mtembei was the fifth giraffe to be born at the Zoo, but the first male calf.

- more -

Less than three months later, on July 24, the Zoo welcomed its second giraffe calf of the season, and the sixth in the Zoo’s history. “Kimba,” another male, was born at 7 p.m. to the Zoo’s only other female giraffe, Amber. His name was chosen by zookeepers and is Swahili for “tall” or “lanky.” Both calves share the same father, the Zoo’s only adult male giraffe, named “Griffin.”

Sukari, Amber and Griffin will continue to be on exhibit at the Zoo after the calves’ departure. For more information and to view photos and videos of Mtembei and Kimba, visit the Zoo’s website, wwww.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org.

The nation’s third oldest zoo and one of Rhode Island’s top tourist attractions, Roger Williams Park Zoo is also a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. The Zoo has received numerous awards for conservation work done both around the globe and locally, caring for species that, without human intervention, would face certain extinction. The Zoo is operated and maintained by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

- ### -

EDITOR’S NOTE – PHOTOS AVAILABLE:

Available for download at: https://www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org/secure/press/pics.cfm

Photos may also be obtained on disk or through e-mail by contacting the Zoo PR office.

Providence, RI - Roger Williams Park Zoo visitors look on at Mtembei, born on exhibit just moments before, as he nuzzles with mother, Sukari, on May 5, 2007.

photo / Jennifer Warmbold

Providence, RI – Mtembei, a Masai giraffe calf, nuzzles with his mother, Sukari, days after his birth at Roger Williams Park Zoo on May 5, 2007.

photo/Victoria Arocho

Providence, RI – Mtembei and Kimba, Masai giraffe calves, lie together on a bed of hay at Roger Williams Park Zoo, April, 2008.

Photo / Rachel McClung