Welcome, Aurora!

Have you herd the news? Aurora, a 1-year-old Masai giraffe, will now call our Zoo home! 

This little giraffe arrived in a special, giraffe-sized carrier after a 2,000-mile journey from her birthplace, the Phoenix Zoo. Since her arrival, she’s warmed up to her new home nicely! 

Aurora first arrived at our Zoo on April 22.

Our Expedition Africa team made sure Aurora was smoothly eased into her new space by slowly introducing her to the herd. Aurora made her first acquaintances with Milenna, our oldest giraffe, in our quarantine barn before joining the rest of the herd. 

Because Milenna has had several babies in the past, she often takes on a motherly behavior around younger giraffes like Aurora. This interaction gave the newcomer plenty of time to adjust to her new surroundings (and her first friend) at our Zoo. 

The following day, Aurora headed out to the veldt to meet the rest of the herd, who were nothing short of welcoming toward her! 

Aurora meets Milenna for the first time.

Aurora is joining our Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan for Masai giraffes. As an endangered species, it’s critical Masai giraffes in AZA-accredited organizations are paired with one another to create a genetically diverse population. We’re hoping Aurora will get along well with Mapenzi, our 5-year-old bull giraffe, so we can continue to contribute toward the population of Masai giraffes in AZA-accredited organizations. 

We’re keeping a close eye on her behavior as she settles in, but so far, Aurora seems to be calm and tranquil in her new space.

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and keep an eye out for a new face on the veldt during your next Zoo visit! 

Special thanks to Flammio Financial Group, Stifel-Garvin Wealth Management Group, Artemis IT, and Jim and Darleen Barfield. Their generosity makes our work possible! 

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.