2 New Animals Debut At Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Maryland Zoo welcomes two new additions to the family.

Kesi the giraffe made her big debut Friday, along with--but very far away from--the African lioness Badu.

Right now, Kesi stands about 11-feet-tall and weighs around 1,000 pounds.

Kesi, 2, comes from the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Fort Wayne, Ind.  She can be seen daily inside the Giraffe House. She will be slowly integrated with the other giraffe, and once that integration process is over, she will be on view outside, weather permitting.

Badu is also 2 and arrived in July from the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin.

Zoo officials say Badu is still acclimating to her home. The public will be able to see her on-and-off until she's introduced to the other lions on display.

"We are very happy to welcome these two animals to our Zoo. Each will help create a new dynamic with their respective herd or pride, and we hope that our visitors will enjoy learning about them and their species during their visits to the Zoo," said Don Hutchinson, President/CEO of the Maryland Zoo.