Gladys Porter Zoo Announces New Book & New Baby for Rocket, the “Space Giraffe”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gladys Porter Zoo Announces New Book & New Baby for Rocket, the “Space Giraffe”
Brownsville, Texas (June 21, 2025) – In honor of World Giraffe Day, Gladys Porter Zoo staff are thrilled to share some very exciting, giraffe-related news. Local author Suzanne Shepard is preparing to launch the third book in her chart-topping children’s book series, Rocket the Space Giraffe. In addition to this thrilling announcement, Rocket, the inspiration behind the book series, recently gave birth to her second calf, a healthy female.
Rocket is known for being the star of her book series, Rocket the Space Giraffe, written by Suzanne Shepard and illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell. The series debuted in July 2022 and currently has two books—Rocket the Space Giraffe and Wish Upon a Star—and will soon launch its third addition to the series, Love, Laugh & Hug a Giraffe. The book will be available for purchase on Amazon and in the Zoo’s gift shop starting Wednesday, July 16th. As with the other books in the series, all proceeds from book sales will go directly to the Gladys Porter Zoo to help with the care and feeding of Rocket and the other animals at the Zoo.
Rocket first became a mother in February of 2022 and proved to be a natural in her new maternal role with her firstborn, Loki. Her new calf, born on April 5th and sired by a giraffe named Nicolas, has been doing well and is already winning over the hearts of visitors. From birth, giraffes stand at six feet tall and can walk within the first hour after being born. Rocket, her new calf and Loki can all be seen in the giraffe habitat with the rest of the herd.
The public is also welcome to continue celebrating World Giraffe Day during the Zoo’s Animal Play Day on June 22nd. There will be giraffe-themed activities for kids, animal enrichment, and animal encounters at the Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and feed Rocket, her baby, and the other members of the herd.
Reticulated giraffes are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their biggest threats in the wild include habitat loss and poaching. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, there are approximately 15,950 reticulated giraffes left in the wild, and their numbers continue to decline.
Gladys Porter Zoo
-
Alejandra Rodriguez Marketing Coordinator
- June 23, 2025
- (956) 554-5610
- Send Email
