The new pavilion will be open to the public soon and will house giraffes during hazardous weather.
Blank Park Zoo revealed their new $2.2M, 6,600 square foot Blumenthal Giraffe Pavilion today. The pavilion will be used to house up to 8 giraffes in addition to other hoof stock species.
Visitors will be allowed to experience the giraffes up close and personal during cold or hazardous weather days when the giraffes cannot be outside. There will even be opportunities to feed the giraffes.
“Not only does this facility allow for more public access to the giraffe, it allows for a huge upgrade in the quality of our animal care,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO. “It features a day room for the giraffe to exercise and a giraffe restraint device to allow for veterinary care without the need for risky immobilization.”
Don and Margo Blumenthal gave a lead gift for the project. Their fascination with giraffes began on a trip to Africa.
“Go to the zoo and watch the animals, they will lift your spirits and put a smile back on your face,” said Margo Blumenthal. “It is our pleasure to be able to make this gift to the zoo. We love our city and want to give back with a long-lasting gift of pure enjoyment.”
The giraffes have already taken residence in the new facility. The pavilion will be open to the public once a pathway is completed and temperatures fall enough.
