Jo Ann Holt
Abilene Zoo has added three new calves to their popular giraffe herd. The new babies will be ready to welcome visitors to the zoo’s annual Christmas Celebration December 18-23. The first calf, a female, arrived on October 27, weighing 142 pounds and measuring 5’11.” A male calf was born a few days later, at 6’ and 150 pounds. The third calf, a petite female at 5’6” and 124 pounds, was born November 9.
The three baby giraffes are healthy and thriving, and (weather permitting), are already on exhibit daily at the zoo. Hand-feeding a giraffe is a favorite activity at the Abilene Zoo, and guests can purchase romaine lettuce leaves to feed their favorite member of the herd. Abilene Zoo was among the first to introduce animal-human interaction.
The West Texas zoo earned a design award for their Giraffe Feeding Bridge over 50 years ago. Twiga Terrace, a new multimillion dollar venue, has further expanded and enhanced the activity. Private group tours are available as well, allowing guests to go behind the scenes at the giraffe barn.
Giraffe Facts
Photo: Abilene Zoo & Abilene CVB
Did you know that a Giraffe sleeps an average of 4.5 hours a day; either standing or lying down? Or that a Giraffe can run as fast as 30 miles an hour for sustained periods? Young calves less than 10 feet high can easily outrun adults.
The Abilene Zoo Christmas Celebration, powered by Reliant, features six eventful evenings at the zoo, from Dec. 18 to Dec. 23. Zoo hours are extended from 4-10 p.m. for their celebration of the magic of Christmas. Besides visiting the new baby Giraffes, festivities include meeting Santa’s reindeer, ice skating, and watching a professional ice sculptor chisel blocks into beasts.
Guests will experience the true spirit of the season with a Walk to Bethlehem and live nativity scene. An 85-foot Tunnel of Lights with 25,000 twinkle lights is also featured. The Christmas Celebration also features live Christmas music, and cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Texas Bakery (sponsored by H-E-B).
Abilene Zoo Christmas Celebration
Photo: Abilene Zoo & Abilene CVB
Admission to the Abilene Zoo Christmas Celebration is $15 a person, or $7 for members. Children two years of age or younger are admitted free. Abilene Zoo has implemented procedures and protocols following guidance for outdoor open-air events by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state of Texas.
Abilene Zoo was founded in 1966 as a collaborative partnership between the City of Abilene and the Abilene Zoological Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving wildlife and protecting wild places. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo is a place of learning and adventure where people make memories, share in the joy of discovery, and become inspired to save wildlife. Visitors include 129 school districts from over 51 Texas counties plus a quarter million guests each year. For more information visit abilenezoo.org.
