5 September 2011
Jelani sets sail for Werribee
A young male giraffe from Auckland Zoo set sail this afternoon bound for Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Eighteen month old Jelani is embarking on a five-day journey with a keeper who has taken care of him since he was born and also a vet from Auckland Zoo.
He is making the journey in a large transport crate, and has undergone ‘crate training' in the lead-up to the voyage to ensure he is relaxed and comfortable in his surroundings.
Jelani's luggage includes plenty of his favourite foods and enrichment devices like boomer balls.
The expected time of arrival for the Maersk vessel, JPO Scorpius, into West Swanston Dock is 6am on Saturday 10 September. He will then be transported to Werribee Open Range Zoo where he will undergo a routine quarantine period prior to his release into the spacious Lower Savannah where he'll meet his playmates - six male giraffe, rhinos, zebra, antelope and ostrich.
Jelani is moving to Melbourne as part of the regional breeding program. Werribee Open Range Zoo is an important holding facility for male giraffe. These giraffe may be required for breeding at other zoos in future, ensuring an ongoing healthy gene pool for the species.
We'll keep you updated on his arrival and settling in period.
