SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Zoo has a new four-legged resident.
Jasiri, a 1-year-old female giraffe, has joined the zoo’s growing herd at the Naylor Savanna habitat, the zoo announced Tuesday.
Jasiri, whose name means “courageous” in Swahili, has arrived from Tulsa Zoo. She’s described as confident, curious, and food-motivated, traits that are vital for her adaptation in a new environment.
Her arrival is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which aims to support the long-term survival of threatened and endangered species through coordinated population management and conservation breeding efforts.
“Every animal at San Antonio Zoo plays a role in connecting people to wildlife, and Jasiri is no exception,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “She represents the future of her species and the impact accredited zoos can have on conservation. We’re thrilled for our community to meet her, form a connection, and be inspired to help protect giraffes in the wild.”
Jasiri joins three other giraffes at the zoo — Waffles, Brayden, and Kicheko — in the Naylor Savanna. This addition not only enhances the genetic diversity of the giraffe population at the zoo but also enriches the visitor experience.
Guests can now see Jasiri in the zoo’s giraffe barn within the habitat, with plans for her to explore the full savanna alongside the rest of the herd in the coming weeks. This opportunity allows visitors to observe her interactions with other giraffes, providing a deeper understanding of their social behaviors and needs.
