Giza Zoo sent S.Africa hippos, rams, pelicans in exchange for 3 giraffes

CAIRO - 22 December 2020: Giza Zoo received Tuesday three new giraffes from South Africa as part of an animal exchange system, where Egypt, in exchange, hippopotamus, some types of Arab rams, white pelicans and rare parrots. 

Giza zoo has lost a number of giraffes that died over the past period. The zoo resorted to import new giraffes, which attract huge number of visitors. Ahead of their arrival, the zoo has allocated a new house equipped especially for the new giraffes.  

Dr. Mohamed Rajaei, head of the Central Department of Zoos said in TV statements Tuesday that Egypt did not bear financial cost of the importing of the new giraffes, although transporting these animals costs a lot. However, South Africa bore the transportation expenses in accordance with the international standards of transporting wild animals. 

He further added that the Giza Zoo will soon receive new elephants, ensuring that the zoo's revenues are sufficient to cover the animals' needs and veterinary care.

He also explained that the new giraffes, aged 2 years old each, will be given names closer to their names in South Africa. 

The news about the new giraffes attracted many posts by Egyptian social media users who celebrated the import of the animals.