News Summary
Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence celebrated the second birthday of their male Masai giraffe, Enzi, highlighting his role in conservation efforts. Enzi, whose name means ‘powerful’ in Swahili, contributes to the genetic diversity of giraffes in captivity. At 10 feet tall and weighing 730 pounds, he shares his habitat with two female giraffes. The celebration coincides with global giraffe conservation initiatives, emphasizing the importance of breeding programs for the survival of this endangered species.
Providence, Rhode Island – On Monday, Roger Williams Park Zoo marked a special occasion by celebrating the second birthday of their male Masai giraffe, Enzi. The vibrant event highlighted Enzi’s importance as part of ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving endangered giraffe populations.
Enzi, whose name translates to “powerful” in Swahili, arrived at the zoo in June 2024 from Franklin Park Zoo. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, Enzi plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy and diverse populations of giraffes in captivity.
Standing at 10 feet tall and weighing approximately 730 pounds, Enzi is already as tall as the rim of a basketball hoop. It is anticipated that he will grow to an impressive height of about 18 feet and could weigh as much as 2,900 pounds as he reaches maturity. Enzi is not alone at the zoo; he shares his habitat with two other female Masai giraffes, named Cora and Providence.
Rachel McClung, one of the animal keepers at Roger Williams Park Zoo, expressed that Enzi is characterized as sweet and curious. He is gradually acclimating to his new surroundings, which are designed to mimic his natural habitat.
The Masai giraffe, indigenous to various regions of eastern Africa, is currently classified as endangered. Their populations have significantly declined by about 50% over the past 30 years due to factors such as poaching and habitat loss. Currently, an estimated 32,200 Masai giraffes exist in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, conservation initiatives are showing positive results, with some rebound in population numbers noted in recent years.
Enzi’s arrival and the celebration of his birthday align perfectly with world-wide efforts to raise awareness about giraffe conservation, as the announcement of his move coincided with World Giraffe Week. The Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan consists of 137 animals, including 60 males and 77 females distributed across 35 AZA facilities, helping to bolster the genetic diversity necessary for the future of the species.
Roger Williams Park Zoo’s commitment to the AZA Species Survival Plan reflects broader conservation goals. By participating in this program, the zoo is contributing to crucial breeding and management strategies designed to support the long-term survival of Masai giraffes in both captivity and the wild. As more zoos and institutions collaborate on such efforts, the hope is to not only stabilize but also potentially grow the Masai giraffe population for generations to come.
The celebration of Enzi’s birthday serves as a reminder of the vital importance of these initiatives and the role that zoos play in conservation. The continued efforts to educate the public about the challenges facing Masai giraffes also highlight a shared responsibility in preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
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Additional Resources
- ABC6: Roger Williams Park Zoo Celebrating Masai Giraffe’s Birthday
- Greenville Online: Want to Name the Greenville Zoo’s Giraffe Calf? Here’s How to Vote
- Providence Journal: Roger Williams Park Zoo Gets New 11-Month-Old Masai Giraffe Named Enzi
- Greenville Online: Autumn the Giraffe at Greenville Zoo Has Seventh Baby
- RI Monthly: Providence the Giraffe
- Wikipedia: Giraffe
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
