A 1-year-old female Masai giraffe, Tisa, has arrived at Brevard Zoo

The giraffe tower at Brevard Zoo is getting a little larger! A 1-year-old female Masai giraffe, Tisa, has joined the zoo from her birthplace, the Virginia Zoo.

A 1-year-old female Masai giraffe, Tisa, has joined Melbourne's Brevard Zoo from her birthplace, the Virginia Zoo.

She’s currently staying in the zoo's behind-the-scenes Africa Barn in a designated spot that keeps her relatively separate from the rest of the herd – while giving them all a chance to start getting to know each other through sight, sound and maybe a few snout boops.

The animal care team will be helping Tisa become settled, before she begins making trips out to the Africa Veldt with the rest of the tower!

This move is a part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Masai giraffes. SSP’s are a program for facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure healthy, genetically diverse animal populations. They’re also safeguards against the extinction of species in their natural range. Masai giraffe are endangered due to severe habitat loss, illegal hunting and poaching.

Tisa has been paired with Brevard Zoo's own 3-year-old bull giraffe Mapenzi, in the hope that this can grow the zoo's giraffe tower even more!

Want to help Masai giraffe? In the past, Brevard Zoo have partnered with Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), an organization on the front line of giraffe research and protection. By supporting conservation organizations on a community level, we can work together to save these gentle giants from extinction.

For more information, please visit Brevard Zoo's website, and go visit the zoo!

For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day.

You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!