The male Masai giraffe calf was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on March 10
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Credit: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
NEED TO KNOW
- A male Masai giraffe calf was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on March 10
- The new addition was welcomed by 15-year-old mom Zuri and 6-year-old dad Bobbie
- Masai giraffes are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has expanded its animal family by one!
A male Masai giraffe calf arrived at the Ohio-based attraction on March 10, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced in a March 20 press release.
The new addition was born to 15-year-old mom Zuri and 6-year-old dad Bobbie at 6:16 p.m. local time in the Zoo’s Heart of Africa region.
"An experienced mom, Zuri is settling in well with her calf. Her other sons, Ralph and Charlie, also live at the Zoo," the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said in a Facebook post.
"For now, the calf is spending time bonding with Zuri behind the scenes," the animal establishment added.
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Credit: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Masai giraffes are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
“Welcoming a giraffe calf reflects the care, expertise and collaboration that guide our work every day,” Tom Schmid, the president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, said. “This birth is a testament to the dedication of our teams and our shared commitment to protecting Masai giraffes for the future.”
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According to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the newborn "has been off to a strong start."
"He was standing, taking early steps, and beginning to nurse shortly after birth," the organization continued, adding: "Zuri is calm and attentive, while our Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams continue to closely monitor both mom and baby."
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium plans to share updates on calf viewing, naming, development and herd introductions "in the coming weeks." They wrote on Facebook, "We look forward to you meeting this little one soon."
