October Buzz: Oh baby, do we have a big announcement

2024 October Buzz

Something Big To Celebrate

We are beyond thrilled to share that our female Masai giraffe, Zindzhi, had a healthy female calf on October 13! Zindzhi came to the Zoo on a breeding recommendation with Kellan, one of our male Masai giraffes, but she was already pregnant when she arrived at the Potawatomi Zoo.

The calf was checked by veterinarian and animal care staff, and both she and Zindzhi seem to be healthy and thriving. At her first weigh-in, the calf was around 135 pounds, and she's about six feet tall. The calf may be visible to the public in the giraffe barn or outside, weather permitting. While she’s still a baby, the calf’s outdoor access is limited to sunny and at least 60 degrees.

This is an incredible opportunity for us to educate our visitors about giraffes in the wild, which is at the heart of our mission. It’s also an chance for our community, who has supported the Zoo and its giraffes every step of the way, to watch our first calf grow up!

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Get In The Know

The Zoo's new Andean bears, Ian and Sean, are out and about in the Andean bear habitat next to The Lodge! These brothers are only two years old, and they recently moved to the Potawatomi Zoo from another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo.

Although Andean bears are solitary in the wild by nature, Ian and Sean will stay together in the habitat and behind-the-scenes, separate from Muniri, the Zoo’s first Andean bear. Muniri will continue to live at the Zoo, and visitors will see either him or Ian and Sean when they visit the Zoo.

We're so lucky to have this unusual, vulnerable species of bear living at the Zoo. We get to share the conservation story of this species and their native region (the Tropical Andes), and we look forward to the opportunity to contribute to species preservation through a future breeding recommendation.

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Hours Change in November

We’re open through November 24, but our hours will be a little different.

The Zoo will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, last entry at 3:30 pm. Giraffe feeding will be 11 am to 3 pm, outside in good weather, inside in inclement weather. The train and carousel will also be open during November, weather permitting.

Plan your trip...

Gift of Lights Coming

The Zoo will open for The Gift of Lights on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving. We’re open every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 pm, and every Sunday from 5 to 8 pm, through December 22.

Enjoy all the twinkling lights, meeting Santa, sipping hot chocolate, feeding giraffes, and so much more during this great holiday tradition.

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Pumpkin Patch Fun

The adorable Pumpkin Patch is a great addition to your Zoo visit! For $8, you get a small pumpkin, train ride, and edible craft, plus a fun photo op. It’s available through November 2.