Providence Meet Providence: Roger Williams Zoo Welcomes New Giraffe

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence, say hello to Providence.

A 20-month-old Masai giraffe arrived at Roger Williams Park Zoo with the same name as the city where she now resides. Officials said that the giraffe comes from the Greenville Zoo, which had already named her Providence before learning that she would be moved to Providence’s Zoo.

The Zoo was selected as a part of a breeding recommendation based on the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Masai giraffes.

The SSP is a "vital initiative created by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, in which they assign certain animals from a particular species to other potential mates at zoos across the United States and overseas. This process ensures that endangered species, like giraffes, maintain a genetically diverse and biologically sound population," officials said.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Masai Giraffe population has declined by 49-51% in the past 30 years. There are roughly 35,000 left in the world, with their population decreasing steadily.

Of Providence, Amy Roberts, deputy director of animal programs at the zoo says:

"She's a brave, bold, sassy little girl. She came right up to us on her first day to eat her grain from a bucket. She wants to play with our other female giraffe, but they are still getting to know each other."