Zoo keepers from Leipzig headed towards Thuringia, guided by a compelling motivation
Leipzig Zoo Employees Travel to Celebrate Bahati's Birthday
In a heartwarming display of cross-state camaraderie, keepers from the Leipzig Zoo journeyed to Thuringia to celebrate the birthday of one of their former residents, a young giraffe named Bahati.
Bahati, who was born at Leipzig Zoo, moved to the Gera Zoo in Thuringia in the spring of 2025. This move was part of a planned animal exchange between zoos, a common practice to support breeding programs, genetic diversity, and animal welfare.
The celebration at the Gera Zoo was a lively event, with many well-wishers in attendance, including staff from Leipzig Zoo. The staff at the Thuringian Zoo suspects that Bahati enjoyed his birthday celebration, given the unique actions of the Leipzig Zoo keepers, which suggest a deep connection with their animal residents.
The Facebook post from the Thuringian Zoo indicates that Bahati has friends in Saxony, despite his current residence in Thuringia. The post shared pictures of Bahati receiving birthday gifts from his well-wishers, including the Leipzig Zoo employees who traveled to celebrate with him.
Prior to his move to Thuringia, Bahati was a resident at the Leipzig Zoo, where the keepers developed a close bond with him. The Leipzig Zoo employees have a reputation for accompanying their charges for extended periods, showing their strong emotional attachment to their animal charges.
The Leipzig Zoo employees' visit to the Gera Zoo was a testament to this bond, as they traveled from the neighboring state of Saxony to Thuringia to celebrate Bahati's special day. It's possible that they were celebrating a significant event or achievement related to Bahati or the giraffe breeding program.
Regardless of the reason, it's clear that Bahati's former keepers at the Leipzig Zoo still remember him well, and their continued connection with him is a beautiful example of the deep relationships that can form between humans and animals in a zoological setting.
- Leipzig Zoo employees, known for their strong emotional attachment to their animal charges, traveled from Saxony to Thuringia to celebrate Bahati's birthday, demonstrating their lingering connection with the giraffe even after his move to a home-and-garden setting.
- The celebration at Bahati's new residence in the Gera Zoo, attended by Leipzig Zoo staff, showcased the special bond they shared, proving that their relationship transcends the boundaries of their previous lifestyle at the Leipzig Zoo and extends to home-and-garden settings, even when a pet like Bahati is relocated.
