Visitors at Phoenix Zoo can now see baby giraffe in person

PHOENIX — Visitors at the Phoenix Zoo can now see the zoo’s newest addition, a month-old baby giraffe named Rafiki, in person.

Linda Hardwick with the Phoenix Zoo told KTAR News 92.3 FM that Rafiki has made her debut on the Savanna with her mother Imara.

The pair will be out in the open each day between 6:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the next couple of weeks until they grow more accustomed to each other and their surroundings.

During the rest of the day, Rafiki and Imara will be shifted back into their nighthouse.

Sunshine, Siku and Miguu will then come out onto the Savanna for the remainder of the day, Hardwick added.

Rafiki, whose name means friend, was born on June 26 at about 150 pounds and six feet tall.

Hardwick said she has now grown to about 200 pounds and six-and-a-half feet tall.

Voters picked her name last month. The Swahili term for friend ran away with the vote, getting the nod from nearly 40 percent of the voters.

The other choices included Asili (nature), Jasiri (brave), Kivuli (shadow), Mwishowe (finally/eventually), Nyusi (eyebrows) and Subira (patience).

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jeremy Foster contributed to this report. 

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