Renowned family-friendly resort, Chessington World of Adventures, is excited to announce the arrival of Khari, a two-year-old male reticulated giraffe, to the zoo for the next couple of months ahead of a planned move to the European mainland as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.
The 12ft tall new arrival was carefully transported from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo earlier in the month, with both zoo teams working closely together to ensure the highest standard of animal care. Whilst at Chessington World of Adventures, Khari will be looked after by the expert zoo team and join the existing five Rothschild giraffes – Kito, Moja, Tonda, Oscar & Napoli. With Khari’s name meaning ‘King-like’ in Swahili, because of his regal-looking ossicones – the tiny crown-like horns on a giraffe’s head.
Around 400 species are managed under European Endangered Species Programmes throughout European zoos. Born as part of such a programme, this young adult giraffe’s move later in the year will help ensure genetic diversity of animals in the care of zoo teams across the continent.
Following an initial settling in period, Khari is now exploring the full enclosure and getting to know the other giraffes in the care of the zoo team, with guests being able to see and learn more about him as part of the animal experiences on offer.
Sam Whitbread, Animal Collections Manager at Chessington World of Adventures said: “Since his arrival earlier in the month, our team have absolutely loved getting to know Khari and making sure he is receiving the highest standard of animal care whilst staying with us. Our team look forward to working closely with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as we look ahead to planning his move later in the year and supporting this hugely important programme.”
Malcolm Fitzpatrick, Chief Curator at ZSL said: “As sad as we are to see Khari move on to new adventures, he has reached the age where young male giraffes leave their family herd, and his move is also part of the European Endangered Species Programme. The reticulated giraffe is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, and their population is decreasing in the wild, so the collaboration, with Chessington and other zoos is of vital importance to ensure our zoo populations are genetically and demographically healthy and sustainable.”
