After enduring a lengthy 40-hour road trip, Benito the giraffe has finally arrived at his new home in central Mexico. The four-year-old giraffe, who was once described as "lonely," was transferred from the city-run Central Park zoo in Ciudad Juarez to the Africam Safari Park in central Puebla state.

Benito's new home is a 7.5-acre enclosure that already houses seven other giraffes, including three females. As Benito pulled into the park in a giant box specially designed for him, the other giraffes watched with curiosity.

The decision to transfer Benito came after environmental groups voiced concerns about his conditions at the Ciudad Juarez zoo, where extreme temperatures make the summers brutally hot and the winters cold. The move was made to ensure a better living environment for the giraffe.

Upon arrival at Africam Safari Park, Benito was temporarily held in a tall-roofed medical evaluation room. The park plans to introduce him to the rest of the herd within a couple of days, giving him time to adjust to his new surroundings.

Frank Carlos Camacho, the director of Africam Safari Park, expressed optimism about Benito's integration into the herd, stating, "He has been alone for a long time, and it is going to take us a few days to introduce him to the rest of the herd. But even so, we believe this is a very stable herd and that they will accept him. It all depends on Benito and how he interacts with the herd."

During his stay at the Ciudad Juarez zoo, Benito had limited space and little shade in his half-acre enclosure. Photos showed him crouching to fit under a small canopy to keep cool during the scorching summers. In contrast, at Africam Safari Park, Benito will have access to a much larger space that resembles his natural habitat, with ample shade and trees to munch on.

Camacho revealed that Benito will also be introduced to new foods, such as leaves from the acacia tree, a favorite among giraffes in their native African habitat. The park director believes that despite being unfamiliar with these new food options, Benito will enjoy them.

Benito's arrival at Africam Safari Park is significant because he has reached the age when giraffes typically reach sexual maturity. As a male giraffe, he may eventually separate from the herd and embark on a quest to find a mate.

Visitors to Africam Safari Park can observe the giraffes and other animals up close by traveling through the park in all-terrain vehicles, providing a safari-like experience.

Camacho expressed his enthusiasm about Benito's future role at the park, stating, "He's ready to be a giraffe. He will reproduce soon and contribute to the conservation of this wonderful species."

Benito's journey from loneliness to a new home marks a significant chapter in his life, one that holds promise for companionship, exploration, and conservation efforts to protect his species.