VALDOSTA, Fla. — An unlikely friendship between a zebra and giraffe at Wild Adventures Theme Park is getting attention from visitors and animal caretakers.
Kurtsie, a zebra born in December 2023, and Bakari, a giraffe born in 2018, have developed a close bond inside the park’s Giraffe Overlook habitat.
Wild Adventures said its zebra herd was moved into the giraffe habitat shortly before Kurtsie was born, creating more opportunities for the different species to interact.
Friendship grew as zebra got older
Animal care specialists said Bakari showed an early curiosity toward the zebras and frequently stayed close to Kurtsie after she was born.
As Kurtsie grew older and began separating more from her zebra herd, caretakers said she increasingly sought out Bakari.
The two can now often be seen grooming each other, resting together and sharing hay inside the giraffe barn.
Kurtsie also frequently stays near Bakari during giraffe feeding experiences, sometimes weaving around his legs or nudging him for attention.
Caretakers say bond benefits both animals
Sarah Plain, an animal care specialist and Bakari’s lead caretaker, said Kurtsie has become more relaxed and confident while spending time with the giraffe.
Bakari, meanwhile, has become increasingly engaged and protective when Kurtsie is nearby, according to the park.
Caretakers said the pair are sometimes seen lying together in the field, which the park says is a sign the animals feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Wild Adventures Theme Park is located in Valdosta, Georgia, off Interstate 75.
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