Abilene Zoo is thrilled to introduce Pele, a 1-year and 10-month-old spirited and curious giraffe joining the Zoo’s herd. The planning for Pele’s journey from the Fort Worth Zoo to Abilene began over a year ago as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding program aimed at maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations of threatened or endangered species.
Named after the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, Pele brings a dynamic energy and charm to the giraffe habitat. Born on June 12, 2022, during one of the hottest days of the year, Pele’s keeper at Fort Worth Zoo embraced her fiery birth by choosing a theme inspired by fire and volcanoes. As Pele approaches her second birthday this June, she is about eleven and a half feet tall. Pele also bears a distinctive hibiscus flower marking on her left shoulder, along with other very distinguishable markings throughout her full giraffe hide pattern, adding to her unique charm.
Since her arrival, Pele has seamlessly integrated into the giraffe herd and has been engaging with her dedicated zookeepers. From the early days of her introduction, Pele’s growing comfort in her new surroundings is evident, marking an exciting chapter in her journey at Abilene Zoo.
“The herd has fully welcomed her. She is still learning her environment, but she’s already shown herself to be outgoing and curious,” shared Katelyn Zak, giraffe zookeeper. “I am very excited to continue to learn her personality, get to know her as an individual, and see what other quirks I can find about her”.
Abilene Zoo invites the community to join us in welcoming Pele; visitors can now meet her with the rest of the herd at Twiga Terrace.