June 30, 2010

Contact:
Melinda Arnold, Public Relations Director
417-833-1570 (office) or 417-848-0162 (cell)
marnold[at]dickersonparkzoo.org

Zoo Announces Giraffe Birth

For immediate release: June 30, 2010

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A female giraffe calf was born this afternoon at Dickerson Park Zoo with zoo staff and guests observing. This is the eighth birth for mother "Cheka." The public can view the newest calf along with the calf "Billie" born in February and the zoo's four adult giraffes.

This is the 23rd giraffe birth at Dickerson Park Zoo since 1994. Dickerson Park Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan® for giraffes through the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The SSP committee coordinates breeding plans for the participating institutions to maintain genetic diversity.

Cheka was born at San Diego Wild Animal Park in January 1993 and came to Dickerson Park Zoo in May 1995. The calf's father, Stretch, came to Dickerson Park Zoo in September 1988 from Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.

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Dickerson Park Zoo is a division of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.