Welcome, Tisa!

Our giraffe tower is getting a little larger! A 1-year-old female Masai giraffe, Tisa, has joined our group from her birthplace, the Virginia Zoo.

Tisa arrived at our Zoo this week in a special secure carrier designed with a giraffe’s height in mind! She’s currently staying in our behind-the-scenes Africa Barn in a designated spot that keeps her relatively separate from the rest of the herd – while giving them all a chance to start getting to know each other through sight, sound and maybe a few snout boops.

Our animal care team will be helping Tisa become settled. We’ll be sure to let you know when Tisa begins making trips out to our Africa Veldt with the rest of the tower!

This move is a part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Masai giraffes. SSP’s are a program for facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure healthy, genetically diverse animal populations. They’re also safeguards against the extinction of species in their natural range. Masai giraffe are endangered due to severe habitat loss, illegal hunting and poaching.

Tisa has been paired with our own 3-year-old bull giraffe Mapenzi. We hope this move will grow our giraffe tower even more!

Want to help Masai giraffe? In the past, we have partnered with Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), an organization on the front line of giraffe research and protection. By supporting conservation organizations on a community level, we can work together to save these gentle giants from extinction.

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.