The Detroit Zoo’s giraffe population just increased by one.
Zoo officials, in a post to Facebook, announced that a new baby giraffe was born Sunday, Nov. 23, at about 2:30 a.m.
“This adorable little one is already standing strong, nursing well and hitting all her important early milestones,” zoo officials stated. “Both Mom and calf are doing great!”
The newborn female is the offspring of Zara, a 7-year-old giraffe, and Jabari, a 17-year-old who has called the Detroit Zoo home since 2008, zoo officials said. They are part of a close-knit giraffe herd at the zoo that includes two other females and an additional male.
“Wild giraffe populations face serious threats, and we’re proud that the giraffes at the Detroit Zoo serve as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild,” zoo officials stated.
The giraffe building will remain temporarily closed to give Zara and her calf time to bond. Public introductions will be based on Zara’s comfort, zoo officials said. More updates, including the name reveal for the new giraffe, will be forthcoming, they said.
Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Baby giraffe born at Detroit Zoo, takes her first wobbly steps
Reporting by Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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