NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Two giraffes have made their debut at the Audubon Zoo. According to the Audubon Zoo, the two male giraffes, "Maverick" and "Fennessy," are the first giraffes since the death of Forrest in 2023. Music lineup announced for 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival “We have missed having giraffes at the Zoo and they are an iconic symbol of the importance of wildlife conservation," said Senior Vice President and Director of Audubon’s uptown facilities Daine Appleberry. Zoo officials said Maverick came from the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center and is named after the "Top Gun" character. His care team says he is the leader of the two and stands about 12 feet tall. (Courtesy: Audubon Zoo)(Courtesy: Audubon Zoo)(Courtesy: Audubon Zoo) Fennessy was brought to the Audubon Zoo from the Abilene Zoo and is named after Julian Fennessy, the Giraffe Conservation Fund founder and director. Zoo officials said he stands 14 feet tall and can be spotted by his darker coloration. Audubon officials said that giraffes are native to Africa and can grow up to 18 feet and weigh up to 4,600 pounds. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Senate adds amendment to immigration bill named after Laken Riley Ratcliffe edges closer to CIA confirmation with Democratic support: 5 takeaways Louisiana TikTok star Mr. Prada murder case to be heard by grand jury Speaker Johnson removes Mike Turner as Intelligence Committee chair Pennsylvania grandfather in legal battle over backyard coaster