Potawatomi Zoo holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new giraffe exhibit, unveils new statue

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Opening working day at the Potawatomi Zoo is Friday, but Thursday was a monumental day that officers say marks a turning level for the zoo.

Donors, together with elected and group leaders collected to rejoice the zoo’s new giraffe exhibit.

The project is in its ending phases. Adults gave the speeches, but small children took care of the ribbon chopping duties.

Beforehand, the group moved inside to see the exhibit’s climate delicate stars.

“Many several years back, we did a survey inquiring people, you know, what was the quantity 1 animal that persons want to see in zoos,” claims Josh Sisk, government director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “It usually came again to giraffes. Men and women vacation to other zoos in our location to see giraffes and we realized that that, just one working day, was going to be what modifications the Potawatomi Zoo.

“So, we know that this is heading to be a large transform for us,” he ongoing. “We’re likely to go from that modest group zoo that all people remembers as a child that was nevertheless fantastic to this regional destination. This fashionable zoo with all the upgrades we’re generating. This is unquestionably a altering position in the zoo’s record.”

All 4 of the zoo’s giraffes are males. Kellen is two decades outdated. Max, Wyatt, and Seymour are 5 several years aged.

During the ribbon slicing, the zoo also unveiled a bronze statue of a mom giraffe with her baby that stands at the entrance to the new show.

The statue has been a 12 months in the building. It stands 17-and-a-50 % ft tall and weighs about 2,500 pounds. It was put in Wednesday just after touring 13 hours on a flatbed truck from northern Oklahoma.

“There’s a good deal of youngsters that really do not have the chance to get shut to animals,” Jocelyn Russell, the artist who made the sculpture. “And to be capable to actually truly feel my interpretation, I guess, of a giraffe. And that is enjoyment for me mainly because it’s something which is likely to be below endlessly, I hope. And taking images of the young children this morning, it just provides it all with each other.”

Russell suggests it is the tallest statue she has designed, but not the largest. She’s sculpted a full-sized elephant in the past.

And a reminder: 16 News Now is headed to the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend for opening day on Friday.

Lauren Moss and Matt Engelbrecht will be are living at the zoo all through the 4 p.m. newscast. They will provide you a appear at all the enjoyable you can have this 12 months.

Copyright 2022 WNDU. All legal rights reserved.