The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has welcomed an adorable newborn giraffe, named Mila, who has quickly captured the hearts of visitors since her reveal on September 5.
Short Summary:
- Mila, the baby giraffe, was born on August 16 and is already an impressive 5 feet 10 inches and 150 pounds.
- The unique opportunity for naming Mila arose during the annual Zoobilee event, where enthusiastic bids ensued.
- Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo emphasizes the importance of giraffe conservation initiatives to protect these majestic creatures in the wild.
In a delightful twist of fate, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo introduced their newest, four-legged celebrity, a baby giraffe named Mila, to a thrilled crowd just weeks after her birth. Mila made her first public appearance on September 5, an event that coincided perfectly with the zoo’s annual Zoobilee gala, choreographing a symphony of excitement among guests.
Mila, born on August 16, is an impressive sight at just under a month old. Standing at an astonishing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing in at a robust 150 pounds, she has already claimed her place as the youngest member of the zoo’s adorable reticulated giraffe family.
“The Zoo doesn’t have a new baby giraffe birth very often. Then to have her birth perfectly timed with our annual gala, we knew we had to include her naming opportunity as part of Zoobilee,” said Rick Schuiteman, the Executive Director of the zoo. “It was the highlight of the evening with quite the bidding excitement.”
Guests were treated to a live auction for the naming rights, which ended in a joyful bid by Jake and Molly Hallow, a local couple whose daughter shares a name with the new giraffe. The couple enthusiastically noted, “Mila was a very easy choice for us. Our Mila is quite the giraffe lover, even at her young age. She was excited to meet her namesake today.”
The event itself was a showcase of community spirit, with guests eager to not only witness the baby giraffe’s unveiling but also engage in bidding wars to support the zoo. “We are so grateful to the generous support of the Hallow family,” Schuiteman noted, focusing on how pivotal community involvement is for the zoo’s operations and events.
As Mila continues to adapt to her new surroundings, her introduction to the larger giraffe family has been smooth. Her parents, the 11-year-old Faye and the 14-year-old Ezeji, were positively described by the zoo staff, who mentioned that they are already quite protective and nurturing towards their little one.
“The first few days, baby girl spent exclusive time with her mother inside the giraffe barn,” explained Michelle Smurl, Director of Animal Care at the zoo. “The rest of the herd were curious to meet the little one, and introductions to all the giraffe over the past weeks went very well.” Mila, showcasing a burgeoning personality, has begun to explore her environment and interact with her fellow giraffes.
Ty Laemmle, Area Curator for African Birds and Hoofstock, observed, “Faye has been great. She cleaned up after the baby was born and was ready to nurse. She’s always been great with her babies.”
The zoo proudly operates within a framework of choice and autonomy for its inhabitants. Every morning since Mila’s debut, she and her mother have been allowed to venture outside to explore the outdoor exhibit.
Following the eagerly anticipated introductions, it became evident that Mila’s spirited character is already shining through. “She has quite the personality already. She likes to explore, which is great,” Smurl praised. “She went outside ahead of mom, which shows confidence, and we particularly like to see that.” This signifies a promising start for Mila as she begins to adapt to her new home.
This birth marks the 20th giraffe to be born at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo since its inception of the breeding program in the 1980s, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to giraffe conservation.
“Each one is so important to the population. We’re an accredited zoo and this is an important female to be born. She’s genetically valuable,” Smurl added, highlighting how Mila’s presence strengthens the genetic diversity for future breeding recommendations.
In a time when giraffes are facing serious threats in their natural habitats, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo actively participates in conservation efforts, advocating for initiatives such as the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. This organization focuses on habitat protection and research necessary for safeguarding the species, which has been increasingly vulnerable due to poaching and habitat destruction.
As the public flocks to see Mila, the zoo has reminded visitors to approach with patience as she becomes accustomed to her surroundings. “Please be patient with the new little one as she becomes comfortable in the exhibit space,” officials encouraged, reinforcing the ethos of the zoo to create a supportive environment for all its residents.
Looking ahead, Mila’s journey at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has just begun, and with her enthusiastic introduction to the herd, she’s bound to steal hearts and educate guests about the importance of giraffe conservation.
For those eager to meet Mila in person, her unveiling has generated substantial buzz and excitement at the zoo. As Laemmle pointed out, “Any new baby brings buzz, and we have a big baby, so there’ll be big buzz.” And indeed, big things are expected for this little lady who has already set the zoo abuzz.
In conclusion, a visit to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is more than just a day out—it’s an opportunity to connect with wildlife and support conservation initiatives. So grab your family, watch Mila’s adventures unfold, and remember: every ticket sold supports the growth and protection of animals like Mila and their relatives in the wild. Get ready to be charmed!
