Almost two months after the Niabi Zoo opened for the season, zoo officials are ready to allow the new baby giraffe to enter the display and make his public debut.
The Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois, opened up again on March 23, 2015. The baby giraffe, named Genesis, was born on February 10, but was kept off display to allow him time to adjust.
"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... 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."
Zoo-goers will be able to see Genesis out and about beginning Tuesday, May 19.
"That'll be the first opportunity that the community has to see this little guy, although he's a big guy now. He's more than 7.5 feet tall, so he's still pretty small compared to the adults, but compared to us, as people, he's a lot bigger. He's still pretty cute, though," said Heinzman.
Genesis has been recovering from a leg injury since March, when it was announced that his mom, Mimi, accidentally stepped on him.
"We're hopeful that Genesis makes a full recovery from his injury," Heinzman said.
Heinzman said an injury like that can affect a giraffe's quality of life if it does not heal right. Genesis has been set up with a custom ankle brace to support his injured tendon. Staff planned to keep a close eye on the animal while he's on public display to ensure his injury is healing properly.