After arriving on the 7^th September from the Netherlands our two new arrivals Vera and Nzuri have now taken their first steps into the outside paddock!

The two new arrivals spent their first week at Colchester Zoo getting to know our other resident female giraffe Lili and Isha within the inside area of the Kingdom of the Wild house. As the group are now comfortable with each other and have settled in well, keepers decided they were ready to take a look outside! Joined by their new friends, all four of our giraffe enjoyed some time in the paddock exploring the area and going for a run!

It is clear when seeing the group together that Vera and Nzuri are both young giraffe and are currently quite a bit smaller than Lili and Isha! Keepers have already noticed that although she is the smallest of the 4, Nzuri is bursting with confidence and keen to meet new animals and people, Vera is a little more reserved and shy but seems content with her new surroundings.

The next step will be to let them spend more time outside and gradually introduce them to the other African species who they will share their new home with!

Check out this fantastic video of our two new arrivals exploring their outside enclosure for the first time:

Watch this space for updates over the coming weeks!