Pronounced “Mo-Paw-Nee”
Published: May 9, 2024
Between April 26 and 28, more than 8,200 Birmingham Zoo friends across the region voted on the zoo’s social media sites and selected “Mopane” as the baby’s name. Pronounced “Mo-Paw-Nee,” the name represents an African tree with leaves eaten by giraffes. Mopane’s dad Jalil announced the name in a reveal to Birmingham Zoo employees on April 30. Link to Video
The name Mopane received nearly 3,000 votes and was followed by Binti (daughter in Swahili), Zahara (flower in Swahili), and Kabira (powerful in Swahili). Mopane was born to mother Ruby and father Jalil on April 17, 2024 at 12:19 a.m. This adorable newcomer marks a significant milestone for the Zoo’s Trails of Africa section, expanding the giraffe herd from four to five members.
WHEN TO SEE MOPANE: Ruby and Mopane have access to the outside habitat Wednesday through Sunday each week from 10 a.m. to noon. The pair may come and go, but will have access to the outside yard. Dad Jalil participates in giraffe feedings daily from 10to 11:30 a.m. and from : to 2:30 p.m. All activities are subject to change due to“We are overjoyed to welcome this beautiful baby giraffe to our Zoo family,” said Chris Pfefferkorn, CEO and President of the Birmingham Zoo. “Giraffe populations in the wild are declining and the birth of this giraffe is another step in the Zoo’s work to help with the conservation of giraffes.” The last baby giraffe born at the Birmingham Zoo was 10 years ago in 2014.
The Birmingham Zoo extends its gratitude to the community for their continued support and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation efforts. The birth of this baby giraffe serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting species for future generations to enjoy.
For more information about your Birmingham Zoo and its conservation initiatives, please visit http://www.birminghamzoo.com.