A young new giraffe has come to tower over the Peoria Zoo.
Joining the herd is 1-year-old Fitzniklas, who was born at the Memphis Zoo in April 2024. Fitzniklas brings a “youthful energy and a bright future” to Peoria’s giraffe exhibit, the Peoria Zoo said in a May 14 release.
“Every animal at Peoria Zoo helps us tell a bigger story, and Fitz is no exception,” director Max Lakes said in a release. “His playful spirit will capture hearts, while his journey here reminds us of the importance of thoughtful animal care and the role zoos play in protecting these majestic species.”
The move to Peoria was coordinated through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which works to create healthy, diverse populations of endangered species such as giraffes in zoos across the nation. AZA-accredited zoos like the Peoria Zoo are considered to go above and beyond in terms of animal welfare, meeting the highest standards.
Amanda Schweighart, curator of the African Veldt, Northwest Passage and Teton Trek at Memphis Zoo, said the team at the Memphis Zoo will miss Fitz’s sweet, curious nature. Schweighart said Fitz shares similar traits with his father, with whom he also shares a birthday.
Fitz is currently in a standard period of quarantine, but has begun interacting with the Peoria Zoo’s two resident female giraffes, Emy and Vivian. The three of them have been seen exchanges nuzzles and forming a friendship with each other through Fitz’s protective fence.
“Fitz is a sweet little guy with a lot of personality and curiosity,” said Lauren, Fitz’s primary keeper. “He’s going to fit in well with the girls, and they already love him as much as I, and the rest of the zoo crew, do.”
Fitz will be available for viewing as he explores his new home after he finishes his quarantine in the next week, according to the release.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ‘Playful spirit’: 1-year-old giraffe joins Peoria Zoo from Memphis
Reporting by Christina Avery, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
