Mokolo, a 10-year-old giraffe, joins Zoo Knoxville from Elmwood Park Zoo as part of a conservation plan to enhance genetic diversity.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville announced the arrival of a new giraffe to its Grasslands Africa habitat on Thursday morning.
Zoo Knoxville said the new giraffe, Mokolo, is 10 years old and comes from the Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan recommendation identifying him as a “genetically valuable individual.” The zoo said it is a strategic conservation effort designed to support the sustainability and genetic diversity of giraffes in accredited zoos.
The zoo said Mokolo is already settling in well and has started forming positive relationships with his new herd mates, JJ and Frances. The Species Survival Plan recommended Mokolo as a match for Frances to contribute to a healthy and genetically diverse future generation.
According to the zoo, Mokolo was previously in a “bachelor herd,” a social structure for younger male giraffes. His transition to Zoo Knoxville marks the next phase in his conservation role. In Africa, the animals face threats such as habitat loss and population decline.
“Every introduction and every pairing is carefully planned, and it’s exciting to see Mokolo settling in so well with Frances and JJ,” said Amber Howard, giraffe keeper at Zoo Knoxville. “Knowing that our daily care contributes to the long-term future of giraffes makes moments like this especially rewarding.”
Guests will start seeing Mokolo in his new habitat now that Mokolo is more comfortable in his new home. The zoo said he is easy to distinguish from Frances and JJ due to his darker brown spots.
Photos: Zoo Knoxville welcomes new giraffe, Mokolo