When Ballysally met Ballysally - Housing Executive helps Coleraine community meet namesake giraffe
It was a tall order but the Housing Executive granted the wishes of children in Ballysally Coleraine when they met the baby giraffe they named at Belfast Zoo.
A cohesion grant for £1211 made this extra special summer encounter with the seven-month-old female Rothchild’s giraffe happen for the Building Ballysally Together group.
Community relations, intergenerational links and community spirit were all enhanced as families and community workers enjoyed this extra special day away together.
Caroline Reid, Administrator, Building Ballysally Together said; “We are so happy that we got to go on this outing and actually meet Ballysally the giraffe in real life.
“Thank you so much to the Housing Executive for funding this summer highlight.
“Many of these children could only dream of going on a day out to the zoo, especially at the minute with the cost of living crisis.
“When planning our summer scheme we asked the children where they would like to go as their final trip of the Summer.
“So many of them didn’t hesitate to say, the zoo to meet Ballysally. It was priceless just to see their wee faces when baby Ballysally was pointed out to them.
“The naming of the giraffe in the zoo came about when our group entered and won a Facebook competition to name a giraffe back in February.”
Zoo staff selected a range of six names and put it up for a public vote. After a massive response from the public, the name ‘Ballysally’ was chosen as the clear winner.
It is traditional at Belfast Zoo to name their giraffes after places that begin with ‘Bally’.
The selection of Ballysally marks the latest addition to the zoo’s efforts to help save one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies.
Gareth Doran, Housing Executive Good Relation’s Officer said; “We are delighted to have enabled this group of families to visit the zoo and meet Ballysally the giraffe through our cohesion grant.
“It really was an extra special treat for all and we recognise the importance of such experiences for children living in our local communities.
“Getting out of their own area, forging new friendships and learning new things goes so far in improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing.”