VIDEO: Face-to-face with giraffes for the first time

Keepers at Whipsnade Zoo threw a housewarming party for the giraffes as they moved into their brand new home.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Oct 2013, 11:23 BST
Giraffe Heights at Whipsnade ZooGiraffe Heights at Whipsnade Zoo
Giraffe Heights at Whipsnade Zoo

The Giraffe Heights exhibit includes a revamped barn and a nine-foot-high viewing platform which will bring visitors face-to-face with the giraffes for the first time.To celebrate, keepers dished up treats in giant wicker teacups and made them frozen carrot and cabbage cupcakes. Hanging baskets spruced up their enclosure.

Giraffe Heights opens to the public tomorrow (October 25) and the platform will allow up to 300 people at a time to see the zoo’s reticulated giraffes, with views across the entire paddock and into the newly extended giraffe barn. Daily talks will give visitors an insight into the lives of the giraffes, revealing fun facts including why they have such long necks.

Whipsnade is home to five reticulated giraffes – one-year-old Jengo, dad Uno, mum Ijuma, Ina, and Savannah.