Marwell Zoo welcomes new Rothschild’s giraffe with heart-shaped marking

Three-year-old Mburo arrived in specialist transport at the zoo near Colden Common on Thursday, September 8.

Mburo is the first male giraffe at Marwell for five years and will live with the four resident females, Makeda, Christa and Ruby, who were all born at the zoo. The young male has moved to the zoo in Thompsons Lane, with the hope that he will eventually breed. However, it all depends on how Mburo interacts with his new herd.

Keepers reported that Mburo settled into his new home well after the journey from Chester Zoo. But the giraffe herd is now being quarantined for 30 days to reduce the risk of introducing parasites and disease.

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Giraffe viewing at Marwell is therefore limited with the areas in closest proximity being temporarily closed. The Rothchild’s giraffes are still available to view from other areas.

The new young male has a distinguished heart-shaped spot on his left cheek and currently stands at four metres tall but could grow to 5.7m.

Senior animal keeper Adam Ford said: “Mburo’s arrival is very exciting for Marwell and the future of the Rothschild’s giraffes, furthering Marwell’s in-situ conservation programmes.

“He is settling in well with the girls and is proving to be a big character already.

“He has many distinguishable features such as his large Ossicones (the horns on a giraffe’s head) which both bulls and cows have, but in bull giraffes they are always more prominent.

“He also has a perfect love heart on his left cheek.”

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All giraffes have completely unique coat patterns much like the human fingerprint.

Marwell has been home to giraffes since 1971, shortly before the zoo opened to the public.

Visitors to the zoo operated by charity Marwell Wildlife must pre-book. For more information go to marwell.org.uk.