The photo looks like something out of Dumbo when the Stork was dropping the babies off.
He’s just the cutest
The zoo announced on Jan. 22 that its giraffe, Minka, was expecting her first calf in February. The male calf made an early arrival at 1:38 a.m. in the African Savanna barn. The zoo said he weighed 139 pounds, was five feet, eight inches tall and was healthy.
The zoo said: In preparation, the team created a soft-landing area to cushion the calf’s natural six-foot drop into the world. Thanks to their trusting relationship with Minka and staff proximity, the team was able to assist as the calf found his footing. Once steady, he began walking independently.
He looks like he’s saying, “I don’t need anything else in this life, because I’ve got my mummy and my daddy.”
According to the zoo, the calf bonded with his mother, was nursing and exploring quickly after his birth.
The zoo did not give information on whether the calf has a name yet.
Minka and her calf will be kept in a private area away from zoo guests as they adjust. Officials did not say when they would be visible to the public, but added that the giraffe herd is kept indoors during the winter and brought out when temperatures are at least 50 degrees.
This is Minka’s first calf, and Ja, the father’s, second. Ja’s first calf, Nguvu, was born at the zoo last February and was 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 169 pounds.
Ja was transferred to the Hogle Zoo in 2022 on a breeding recommendation.
Officials said this calf is “an important milestone in protecting giraffes,” as they are considered a [vu.lne.ra.ble] species due to habitat [lo.ss] and [po.achi.ng]. Conservation officials estimate there are approximately 117,000 giraffes in their natural habitat.