Zawadi, one of many Oakland Zoo’s noticed giraffes, instantly collapsed and died Dec. 15. (picture courtesy of the Oakland Zoo)
“He was our brave, sweet boy,” they mentioned in a press release. “He was highly intelligent, accomplished in training, remarkably social and delighted to meet new people.”
Zawadi joined the giraffe herd in 2021 and have become a faithful massive brother to Kendi and a cherished buddy to Tsavo and Nuru. He beloved playfully sparring with “the boys” and was a beloved member of your entire Oakland Zoo neighborhood. Everybody misses him terribly.
“In this career, we have the rare honor of spending our lives with some of the most extraordinary beings on this planet,” the Animal Care crew introduced in a written assertion. “We love and take care of them deeply, and we’re profoundly lucky to do that work.
“In moments of loss we’ve at all times discovered it useful to hold ahead for the animals who nonetheless rely on us every day — to acknowledge every as a person, to honor them for who they’re and to proceed exhibiting them the identical love, care and respect that introduced us to this work within the first place. It’s one of the best ways we are able to honor Zawadi. This job is undeniably exhausting, and it asks a substantial amount of us, however it is usually a exceptional method to spend a life.’
“We did a slow introduction,” says Chill, Fairyland’s animal caregiver. “We quarantined them first to ensure there have been no parasites, their vaccinations had been updated they usually didn’t decide up something throughout journey. As soon as they had been cleared by the vet, we performed it by-the-book to ensure there have been no unhealthy interactions.
“We brought Cookie over to the fence for about a week, then we let them have supervised play to learn respect for each other’s spaces. We kept extending their time together and checking in to make sure everybody got along. As of this week they are fully integrated and are ready to meet people.”
However what to call them? As at all times, Fairyland polled its prospects — the kids who go to the park — and the children have spoken. The calico-colored lady has been named Stardust, and the boy, who is nearly completely white, is now known as Bowie. He’s a little bit shyer than Stardust however is gaining confidence every single day and is now super-snuggly.
“He’s full of kisses,” says Chill. “He kisses Cookie and staff members who come into the enclosure. He’s still half Cookie’s size, so he loves to get up on his hind legs and give her a head butt to get her to play with him. Half the time she does it. She’s a very distinguished senior citizen, but I’ve caught her playing with him a few times now.”
Talking of senior residents, Gideon the miniature donkey is now 35, making him the park’s oldest resident. That’s no shock as a result of the animals at Fairyland are likely to outlast their anticipated life spans attributable to all of the tender loving care they get.
In the meantime, Stardust and Bowie have realized one factor: “They’re very good at telling time,” says Chill. “They know when it’s breakfast time and dinner time. I listen to them yelling at the gate. It’s very cute.”
You and your youngsters can meet them this weekend, which additionally occurs to be the park’s final weekend of Fairy Winterland, a gala annual celebration that includes twinkling gentle shows, nightly exhibits on the Emerald Metropolis Stage, an look by Fairyland’s Black Santa for teenagers to share their Christmas needs, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, video games and complimentary scorching cocoa and cider. The enjoyable runs from midday to 7 p.m.
By the way in which, the one factor you’ll by no means hear from Santa is a hearty “Ho-ho-ho!” It scares little youngsters.
My honest needs exit to you for a merry Christmas and joyful New Yr. Right here’s hoping it’s higher than this yr.
