The Detroit Zoo has welcomed a young adult male giraffe from a zoo from Utah, officials announced on Wednesday, May 13.
The giraffe, named Nguvu, arrived from Utah’s Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City over the past week, and will be introduced to the rest of the herd soon. Animal care staff have been helping the giraffe get settled, the release said.
“During his acclimation period, guests may notice changes in giraffe viewing based on his comfort, care needs and the weather. There may be times when the indoor giraffe habitat is closed to the public as well,” the Detroit Zoo said on Facebook.
Nguvu’s arrival is a part of the Detroit Zoo’s long-term plan, recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Giraffe Species Survival Plan, to promote the sustainable development of the giraffe population at the facility.
With Nguvu’s arrival, the Detroit Zoo is home to five giraffes: females Zara and Kivuli, and males Mpenzi, Jabari and Nguvu.
“Giraffes are the tallest land mammals on Earth, recognized for their long legs and necks, narrow faces and fur-covered horns called ossicones that sit atop their heads,” the Zoo noted on its website.
Giraffes, which live on African grasslands, can reach 18 feet tall and weight 2,600 pounds. They live about 15 years, eating mostly acacia tree leaves, along with other leaves and shoots.
In addition to the new giraffe, the Detroit Zoo also welcomed a family of three river otters and an Amur tiger in April 2026.
Located in Royal Oak in Oakland County, the Detroit Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the Midwest. It’s known for its innovative, barrier-free habitats and commitment to animal welfare, conservation and sustainability.
The Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through the summer.
Detroit Free Press contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Zoo welcomes giraffe Nguvu from Utah, expanding herd to 5
Reporting by Jalen Williams, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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