New Giraffe Arrives At Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo has a new arrival – the first male giraffe in five years.

Mburo, a 3-year-old male Rothschild’s giraffe, has come from Chester Zoo.

Mburo, who has a love heart on his left cheek, will live with our females, Makeda, Christa and Ruby, who were all born at the zoo.

He still has a bit of growing to do but stands at around 4 metres tall. When fully grown Rothschild’s giraffe can be as tall as 5.7m

Keepers report that Mburo has settled into his new home well after arriving in specialist transport on September 8th.

Adam Ford, Senior Animal Keeper, said: “Mburo’s arrival is very exciting for Marwell and the future of the Rothschild’s giraffes, furthering Marwell’s in-situ conservation programmes.

“He is settling in well with the girls and is proving to be a big character already.

“He has many distinguishable features such as his large Ossicones (the horns on a giraffe’s head) which both bulls and cows have, but in bull giraffes they are always more prominent.

“He also has a perfect love heart on his left cheek!”

Every giraffe can be identified by the pattern on its coat, which is completely unique, much like a human fingerprint.

The giraffe herd is being quarantined for 30 days to reduce the risk of introducing parasites and disease. This means that viewing of the giraffe is currently slightly limited.  There are still places to see them but the areas in closest proximity have been closed off for the time being.