The South Bend-based Potawatomi Zoo is naming its new female giraffe calf Hadassah.
Depositar Auto Body, a supporter of the zoo, named the calf. Taken from the Biblical story of Queen Esther, Hadassah is a Hebrew name that means “myrtle.”
“We have been blessed, and our desire is to bless as many people as possible. This seemed a fitting opportunity,” said Alisa Depositar, Depositar Auto Body co-owner, in press release. “Welcome to the community, Hadassah, for such a time as this.”
Hadassah was born Oct. 13. Zookeepers are working on building a trust-based relationship with her. They spend time talking to her and offering her leaves to browse. She’s curious about solid foods and interested in people, but still cautious of them.
“Myrtle trees are associated with peace, love, and prosperity, so it seems like a great name for a giraffe calf that’s already so loved by the community,” Josh Sisk, Potawatomi Zoo director, said. “Since we’re a nonprofit organization, donations to name animals like this calf are a special way to further drive our mission of education and conservation.”
Gestation for giraffes is 14 to 15 months. Mothers give birth standing up, and the calf falls about six feet to the ground at birth. Calves can stand, walk, nurse and run within hours of being born.
Hadassah will nurse for about 9-12 months. Giraffes start eating solid food at about 4 months.
Scientists estimate there are fewer than 90,000 giraffes in the world. Giraffes are vulnerable to extinction.
Masai giraffes, like Hadassah, are the largest of the species or subspecies of giraffe. They’re native to southern Kenya and Tanzania. Scientists consider them endangered in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates there are about 35,000 Masai giraffes.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited the Potawatomi Zoo in 1987. The zoo is home to over 400 animals.
