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Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help caring for one of Franklin Park Zoo’s newest and most resilient residents — our Masai giraffe calf! From expert veterinary care and specialized nutrition to daily enrichment that supports his growth and development, your gift ensures this young calf, affectionately named Packy by a loyal Zoo supporter, has everything he needs to thrive. Join us in making a meaningful impact on his early life and on the future of this vulnerable species. 

Your Gift Makes an Immediate Impact $25 – Supplies enrichment items like "jolly balls," which encourage natural foraging and exploration. $50 – Helps cover the extra time our care team spends bottle-feeding Packy three times a day. $100 – Feeds our giraffe family for a day—nearly 200 pounds of leafy greens each week! $500 – Provides Packy’s essential vaccines and lab work to keep him healthy. $1,000 – Nourishes Packy for an entire month with milk replacer, grains, and fresh produce—and welcomes you to our President’s Circle with special benefits, including Zoo membership and a behind-the-scenes tour.

A Remarkable Start

After a healthy pregnancy, the male calf was born on August 7 and faced serious challenges as he was unable to nurse in his first 24 hours. We made the decision to transfer him to the Hospital for Large Animals at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, where he received critical plasma transfusions, intensive monitoring, and lifesaving bottle-feeding support.

When Packy was finally strong enough to return to Franklin Park Zoo ten days later, our animal care team began the delicate, weeks-long process of reintroducing him to his mother, Amari. At first hesitant, Amari slowly began showing encouraging behaviors—nuzzling, licking, and guiding her calf with growing confidence. Meanwhile, staff continued round-the-clock feedings, careful health checks, and constant observation to make sure the calf continued to gain strength.

Growing Stronger Every Day

Now nearly four months old, Packy weighs over 314 pounds and stands roughly 7 feet 8 inches tall! He is thriving—nibbling browse and lettuce along with his bottles and becoming more curious each day.

The calf made his outdoor debut in September, but in the colder weather, the giraffe family stays warm in their heated, indoor giraffe barn, where they continue to grow, bond and receive the expert care they need.

Why Your Gift Matters

Masai giraffes are endangered, and every birth is critical to the species’ future. Zoo New England contributes to giraffe conservation through the Masai Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program, and fieldwork with the Somali Giraffe Project in Eastern Kenya. Packy’s care has been specialized, intensive and costly—and your Giving Tuesday gift directly supports his ongoing growth and the wellbeing of our entire giraffe family.

Thank you for caring for animals this Giving Tuesday!

 

Photo credit: Taylor Coester for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University