Festivities Saturday, June 17 also Honor World Giraffe Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Contact: Christina Cooper, Executive Director
Cell: 985-273-9886
Folsom, LA. (June 13, 2023) – Happy 30th Birthday, Kameel the giraffe! Kameel the reticulated giraffe at Global Wildlife Center stands out from tower as the longstanding matriarch of Global’s giraffe family – and for being one of the oldest giraffes in the country. Kameel was born on June 13, 1993 and has the distinction of being the first baby giraffe born at the 900-acre wildlife preserve in Folsom, LA.
Visitors young and old, small and tall belted out the “Happy Birthday” song multiple times throughout the day on June 13 as they encouraged Kameel to come to the safari wagons or Private Pinzgauer for a birthday snack of herbivore diet. To commemorate Kameel’s monumental day, Global Wildlife Center’s Animal Care Co-Manager Erika Ferraris made a special birthday “cake” from sweet potatoes, zucchini and carrots, some of Kameel’s favorite foods. As day started to draw to a close on the savanna at Global Wildlife Center, the team headed out in a Pinzgauer to give her the birthday enrichment treat! Kameel seemed very appreciative of the extra attention throughout the day and loved munching on the goodies she was offered. “She looks amazing for her age,” says attending veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Bergmann, DVM. “We’re taking excellent care of her and extra steps for her longevity include birth control and joint supplements.”
Beloved by staff, Kameel’s captivating beauty, calm demeanor and sweetness of heart truly makes her one of the best beings to grace Global Wildlife. For thirty years, visitors have come to Global Wildlife Center to visit Kameel and appreciate the legacy she has created. Kameel is an exceptional mother, raising more than 10 giraffes in her lifetime and mothering other giraffe calves born on the wildlife preserve. “We grew up together,” says Maci Matherne of the giraffe, Global Wildlife Center’s Owner/CEO, “she’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.” Executive Director Christina Cooper adds, “Kameel is the heart and soul of Global Wildlife Center; her majestic presence is felt by all who have visited or worked here.”
Join Global Wildlife Center this Saturday, June 17 for a Celebration of Kameel’s 30th Birthday and World Giraffe Day! The first 100 guests to check in for a safari wagon or Private Pinz Tour will receive a giraffe birthday cupcake. There will also be giraffe-themed educational activities, live music by Bryan Mannino, Boss Hogs and Riccippi’s Italian Ice Food trucks and a Gi-raffle for a Private Pinz tour. Global Wildlife Center will be raising awareness and donations throughout the month of June for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of giraffe in the wild throughout Africa.
There is no charge to attend the Kameel’s 30th Birthday and World Giraffe Day celebration on June 17; tickets for the safari wagon or Private Pinz tours can be purchased at www.globalwildlife.com. Donations can be made directly to Giraffe Conservation Foundation at giraffeconservation.org/donate/
About Global Wildlife Center: Global Wildlife Center is one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves in the country, home to over 30 species of endangered, threatened and exotic animals. Visitors are able to get eye to eye with giraffes, feel the wooly fur of bison, or wiggle the hump of a camel as they explore the 900-acre preserve in a guided covered wagon safari or Private Pinz tour. Visit www.globalwildlife.com for more information.
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