Baby giraffe Jerrica turns 6 months old

This baby's come a long way.

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Zookeeper Cody Machen gives Jerrica some attention Wednesday, while her mother Jael looks on. Jerrica turned 6 months old Wednesday and has become one of the zoo's biggest attractions.

Jerrica, one of Hillcrest Park Zoo's main attractions, turned 6 months old Wednesday. Measuring about 8 feet tall, the rothschild-reticulated giraffe mix has helped attract more than 170,000 visitors at the zoo since her debut in March, according to zoo officials. The zoo had about 152,000 visitors in the same four-month span last year.

Diet

According to assistant zoo director Mark Yannotti, Jerrica's daily diet consists of a bucket of produce and food pellets, 156 ounces of calf milk replacement — double the amount of a zebra foal — and a flake of hay. Yannotti said he hopes to wean Jerrica off the calf milk replacement in two to three months.

Main attraction

Attendance at the zoo has increased in the four months since Jerrica became part of the zoo's exhibit. Admission fee revenues increased to more than $2,000 a day from $1,400 a day in the first week of Jerrica's outing.

"The first week she was on exhibit has been the biggest week in the history of the zoo," said zoo clerk Laura Shepler.

Zoo head count

Month — 2011 — 2012

March — 30,054 — 34,372

April — 34,818 — 40,768

May — 41,766 — 48,124

June — 46,153 — 54,209

Surprise appearance

Jerrica was born Jan. 25 to the surprise of the zoo staff. Almost a year before, her father, Jay the giraffe, slipped on a patch of ice and had to be put down. Jay arrived at the zoo in October 2010 as a mate for Jael, the zoo's resident giraffe of nine years. Zoo officials did not know at the time if Jay had mated with Jael.

Give her time

Unfortunately, a mother-daughter bond did not form immediately between Jerrica and Jael. Jael kicked the baby soon after it dropped and zookeepers removed Jerrica from the pen to ensure her safety.

The two have been in separate pens but a bond is developing between the two, zoo officials said.

How's the weather up there

Yannotti said Jerrica may grow taller than her mother, who is 15 feet tall. Jay the giraffe was about 16 feet tall.

Long way from home

Reticulated giraffes have clearly defined patches that are normally a bright orange-brown color. These patches have sharp edges and are separated by bold, bright white lines.

This subspecies is found in northern Kenya.