New giraffe arrives at Seneca Park Zoo for temporary stay

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A giraffe from a South Carolina zoo has arrived at Seneca Park Zoo as part of a conservation program. However, Rochester isn’t the giraffe’s final destination.

The Details

Kendi, a 1-year-old male, came from the Greenville Zoo and will stay in Rochester for training and testing. Then, he will head to a zoo in Canada as part of the Masai giraffe Species Survival Plan, coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Seneca Park Zoo officials say there are currently more male Masai giraffes in the U.S. that zoos can accommodate long-term. However, several Canadian zoos are in need of male giraffes. Kendi will likely stay with the rest of Rochester’s giraffes in the habitat tower, but that’s subject to change.

Greenville Zoo officials describe Kendi as curious and independent. His name means “loved one” in Swahili.