Children's book inspired by Gladys Porter Zoo giraffe for sale, proceeds to go toward animal care

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In observance of World Giraffe Day, the Gladys Porter Zoo is collaborating with a local author whose children's book series spotlights Rocket, one of the zoo's female giraffes.

Rocket, a giraffe at the Gladys Porter Zoo, poses next to her newborn calf (Photo courtesy of the Gladys Porter Zoo 2025)

Rocket recently gave birth to a female calf who can be seen in her habitat with the rest of the herd at Gladys Porter Zoo.

Local Author Suzanne Shepard wrote the children's book series Rocket the Space Giraffe. Shepard's third book is topping the charts, according to the zoo.

_{Title of Love, Laugh & Hug a Giraffe, the third book in a series of children's books inspired by a Glady's Porter Zoo giraffe (Photo courtesy of Glady's Porter Zoo).}

The third addition to the series is titled Love, Laugh & Hug a Giraffe. The new book is available for purchase on Amazon and in the zoo's gift shop beginning July 16.

All proceeds from the book sales will go to the Gladys Porter Zoo to help care for and feed Rocket the giraffe as well as other animals.