Norristown Welcomes a New Resident

There are some new faces in town, and many area residents will likely be coming to Norristown to welcome the entire family.

"The Elmwood Park Zoo has added giraffes to its animal exhibits as part of a brand new seasonal exhibit," said Shaun Rogers, Marketing Director of Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. "Excited zoo staff welcomed the two young males and introduced them to their new enclosure Wednesday afternoon."

"Dhoruba" (which is Swahili for "storm") is a 3-year-old male on loan from the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Mich., while "Jukuu" (Swahili for "grandchild") is a 10-month-old male on loan from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Col., according to Rogers.

If you've ever wanted to get to meet such a creature, up-close and personally, the zoo is offering that chance to special guests. 

"Guests will have the unique opportunity to purchase food to hand-feed the giraffes on a daily basis," said Rogers. "The zoo will also hold periodic educational presentations that will explore the unique aspects of Earth's tallest land animal."

The new addition to the zoo family will be on display at the Elmwood Park Zoo starting Memorial Day weekend.

"The Zoo plans to open the exhibit to the general public for the first time on Saturday, May 25, with a gala event celebrating the giraffe's arrival," said Rogers. "The Voices of Africa Choral and Percussion Ensemble will perform  throughout the weekend as part of the festivities."

The exhibit will remain open daily through Labor Day. The zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd. in Norristown. The zoo gates are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and tickets range from $10 to $14, depending on age.

For more information on the zoo, call 610-277-3825.