Coal Valley, IL - May 15, 2015 - Niabi Zoo announced today that its male giraffe calf, Genesis, will make his public debut on Tuesday, May 19.
The baby giraffe, which was born on February 10, has been kept off display by Niabi Zoo staff to allow him time to adjust to the new sights and sounds that came along with the Zoo opening to the public on March 23. The giraffe's name was announced in March as Genesis, named after Genesis Health Systems, which is a longtime partner of Niabi Zoo. "Once the Zoo opens, it's like an entirely different world for animals that have never been exposed to crowds, train whistles, and even just the outdoors," said Zoo Director Marc Heinzman. "Niabi Zoo in February, when Genesis was born, is a very different environment than Niabi Zoo in the spring and summer but he really seems to be adjusting well to everything that is new."
Shortly after being born, Genesis sustained a soft tissue injury to one of his legs after being accidentally stepped on by his mother, Mimi. Since that time, Niabi Zoo's veterinarian and the giraffe care staff have been monitoring his recovery, which is ongoing. "We're hopeful that Genesis makes a full recovery from his injury," said Heinzman. "An injury of this sort has the potential to affect his quality of life if it does not heal properly, but Genesis has been receiving the best possible care from Niabi Zoo's veterinarian and our expert staff." Niabi Zoo's veterinary staff have outfitted Genesis with a custom ankle brace to support his injured tendon, and he will be monitored closely as he increases his activity level while on public display.
Niabi Zoo is currently open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. Last admission each day is at 4:00pm.
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