Pietruška is still getting used to her new environment. Photo: ZOO Ljubljana
Long-legged and long-necked Pietruška arrived in Ljubljana from Warsaw
The Ljubljana Zoo has a new resident. A young female Nubian giraffe Pietruszka or Pietruška was brought from Warsaw. Her name means parsley in Polish, but it is not among her favorite treats. Giraffes love stronger flavors, they also like to eat nettles.
Pietruška covered the almost thousand kilometer long journey from the Polish capital in 17 hours. She traveled in a specially adapted trailer for the transport of giraffes, and her keepers gradually got used to the transport before she left, so that the move would be as stressful as possible for her. She spent most of the journey standing, but in between she lay down several times for short periods of time.
The transport was carefully planned. The route took place during the cooler part of the day and at night to avoid traffic jams and high temperatures. During the drive, there were regular stops during which they checked her well-being.
When she arrived in Ljubljana, she was also accompanied by one of the caretakers from Warsaw, whom Pietruška knows well and trusts. He handed over important information about her habits, diet and behavior to the Ljubljana caretakers.
The arrival of the new resident of the zoo was well received. Accompanied by caretakers, she has already explored the interior spaces and met her new neighbor, the male Rastek. Although they are currently separated, they can see, hear and smell each other.
Pietruška will turn two years old on July 7. He is about three and a half meters tall and weighs about 330 kilograms. The keepers describe her as a calm, relaxed and very curious giraffe. As it is still growing rapidly, it eats large amounts of leaves and other plant food.
The Warsaw Zoo also sent a monthly supply of special briquettes and vitamin-mineral supplements to make the transition to the new diet as gradual as possible. In the case of herbivorous animals, adjusting the menu is very important due to their sensitive digestion.
