EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is saying goodbye to two of its youngest giraffes, brothers Obi and Tesoro, after relocating them to new facilities as part of a national conservation effort aimed at protecting the endangered reticulated giraffe, the city announced.

The moves were coordinated through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a program designed to maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations through managed breeding and partnerships among accredited institutions.

Obi, a 3-year-old giraffe born at the El Paso Zoo in April 2023, has arrived at Longneck Manor in Fredericksburg, Texas.

The zoo said Obi was the first giraffe calf born at the El Paso Zoo through the Species Survival Plan and will join a herd of females as part of ongoing efforts to support reticulated giraffe conservation.

Tesoro, born in January 2025, has been relocated to ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

RECOMMENDED: Ascarate Aquatic Center launches artistic swimming program for youth ages

The zoo said he will be introduced to a female giraffe as part of future breeding opportunities intended to support the species’ long-term survival.

Our two young giraffes will certainly be missed by both our Zoo team and the community,” Interim Director Gary Lunsford said. “While it’s never easy to say goodbye, we’re proud to see Obi and Tesoro play such an important role in conservation efforts that extend far beyond El Paso.

The zoo said the transition reflects natural giraffe behavior in the wild, where young males leave their family groups, known as towers, to establish their own paths. Relocating the brothers at this stage is intended to reduce stress, support their development and create space for future giraffe populations at the zoo.

Obi and Tesoro are the offspring of longtime zoo residents Gigi and Juma. Juma died in July 2025 after spending more than a decade at the zoo, where he was described as a foundational member of the Africa section.

The zoo said it will continue participating in the Species Survival Plan and other coordinated partnerships to support wildlife conservation and sustainable animal populations.

Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.