Knoxville Zoo is excited to welcome a new addition to the Grasslands Africa! giraffe herd. Jumbe, (pronounced JUME-bay), an 8-year-old male giraffe who stands over 17 feet tall, made his public debut over the weekend. Jumbe is settling in to his new home and making the acquaintance of Patches and Lucille, the zoo's two female giraffes.

Jumbe comes to Knoxville on a breeding loan from Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, on the recommendation of the Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), which manages the breeding of giraffes in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). If things go as planned between Jumbe, Patches and Lucille, the zoo hopes to welcome new calves to the herd in the near future.

Giraffes are native to sub-Sahara Africa. Due to hunting and habitat loss, giraffes are now most commonly found in eastern Africa, primarily within the boundaries of national parks and private reserves.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Next day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.