First giraffes in S.I.

Press, 5 June 1982, Page 22

First giraffes in S.I.

Two. young Rothschild giraffes will be on show at Orana Park Wildlife Reserve from June 9. The animals will have travelled more than half way across the world to become the first giraffes to be imported to the South Island. Bought from the African Lion Safari in Toronto, Canada, they have been under quarantine at the Auckland Zpo since arriving by air on April 4. The transportation of the two animals — a male aged 9 1 /a months and a female, aged 7V 2 months - from Canada to Christchurch will cost-about $50,000.

Although Orana Park has received generous contributions from service clubs and members of the public, the total amount has yet to be raised and the “Giraffe Appeal” is still under way. The animals will leave Auckland by road in a specially designed trailer and be accompanied by‘the director of Orana Park, Mr Paul Garland, the assistant head keeper, Mr lan Adams, and the construction supervisor, Mr Graemg Johnson. New quarters are ready to receive them, and the giraffes will be on show the day after they arrive at the park.