NORRISTOWN, Pa. (May 14, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a new giraffe to its growing herd this week. Jumbe Junior, affectionately known as “JJ,” will make his new home in Norristown after transferring from Zoo Knoxville as part of a collaborative recommendation through the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Born on December 24, 2020, JJ joins resident giraffes Gerald and Dhoruba at Elmwood Park Zoo. His arrival continues an important partnership between the two accredited zoos after Elmwood Park Zoo transferred male giraffe Mokolo to Zoo Knoxville in November following a breeding recommendation through the SSP.

Mokolo’s move played a key role in supporting the long-term sustainability and genetic diversity of the giraffe population in accredited zoos. The SSP, managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, helps ensure healthy and genetically diverse populations of threatened species through carefully coordinated breeding and transfer recommendations among accredited institutions.

“Last year we excitedly were able to send our youngest giraffe Mokolo to the Zoo Knoxville on a breeding recommendation,” said Ryan Firestine, Lead Animal Keeper at Elmwood Park Zoo. “Even though it was difficult to see a member of our family leave the metaphorical house, plans had been taking shape behind the scenes for several weeks.”

“I and the rest of our team are so excited to be able to officially announce the arrival of JJ. He is joining our giraffe tower to help keep a robust social dynamic in our group, while also giving Knoxville the room to grow their herd. We have much to learn about his personality, but hopefully Gerald and Dhoruba help us out in making his introduction to his new home easy!” 

JJ was born to mother Frances at Zoo Knoxville, where animal care staff watched him grow into a gentle and increasingly confident member of the herd.

“We are equal parts sad for JJ to leave and excited for this next chapter of his life,” said Amber Howard, Giraffe Lead Keeper at Zoo Knoxville. “JJ has always been our more reserved giraffe, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch his confidence grow over the years. While he can still be a little cautious with new people, once he trusts you, he quickly becomes the sweetest boy.”

Elmwood Park Zoo guests are invited to come meet JJ and help welcome him to Norristown. Visitors can participate in giraffe feedings at the Zoo’s feeding platform, offering JJ one of his favorite snacks — lettuce — while helping him grow comfortable with his new surroundings and herd mates.

Guests visiting Elmwood Park Zoo in the coming weeks may begin seeing JJ acclimating to his new surroundings as the Zoo’s animal care staff carefully manage introductions and monitor herd dynamics.For more information on Mokolo’s journey to Zoo Knoxville and the SSP process, click HERE.