Our guest speaker, GEMMA METCALF, will tell us all about her work with Okapi, also known as “forest giraffe”.

Hello, I'm Gemma, Section Manager for the Hoofstock team at London Zoo. I lead a passionate team that cares for a diverse group of species, including Giraffes, Okapi, Babirusa, and Camels. I have a particular passion for Okapi—the giraffe’s only living relative—and have been working closely with them for the past 12 years. During my time at the zoo, I’ve been involved in breeding three calves and developing specialized training programs tailored to their needs. I hold a Master’s degree focused on Okapi behaviour, specifically their preferences over a 24-hour period and how this knowledge can be used to improve their care. My current research explores Okapi gestation and fetal development, in collaboration with institutions around the world that care for this unique species. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working and learning at zoos across the globe, including Werribee and Melbourne Zoos in Australia—where I met Anne and Mary.

Happy World Giraffe Day! In celebration of World Giraffe Day, MARY DAGG, CEO of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation, will join us live from the Toronto Zoo.

This will be our last get together until September. See you on June 21st @ 11am EDT!

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