Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a new member to its eclectic family on November 2 when Bea, a 15-month-old female giraffe, arrived from Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee.

Over the last several weeks, Bea has been adjusting to her new keepers and hanging out with her new herd mates, 18-year-old Stella and 11-year-old Abigail. The new addition is settling in well and enjoying the independence and quiet time at night when she is given her own space by the keepers.

Bea currently stands at around 8-foot-tall and weighs over 1,000 pounds. Due to their height and weight, giraffe transportation involves a number of intricate plans. To secure her safe arrival, the staff at Philadelphia Zoo worked closely with the team at Knoxville Zoo during the weeks leading up to her trip.

This included training the baby giraffe to safely enter the trailer, preparing contingency plans, and locating an experienced professional animal transporter.

“I am happy to say the overall transition has been smooth,” said Philadelphia Zoo curator Donna Evernham. “The journey was successful and the new trio are doing great.”

She also said that it was Bea’s calm demeanor that made bonding with Stella and Abby so easy.

“We are very excited to have a young giraffe at Philadelphia Zoo,” she said.