Giraffe Born At Detroit Zoo Is Healthy, Ready For Debut

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Detroit Zoo is welcoming its newest "leggy arrival."

A reticulated giraffe was born at the zoo at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, to 5-year-old Kivuli following a 15-month gestation. The father is 6-year-old Jabari.

The yet-to-be-named calf, born outdoors in the giraffe habitat, took its first steps an hour after its birth and nursed throughout the night, according to animal care staff who witnessed the birth and have monitored mom and baby around the clock.

Click here to see video of the baby giraffe.

"The calf appears strong and healthy, all legs and very curious," Scott Carter, Detroit Zoological Society chief life sciences officer, said in a statement. "Kivuli is showing great maternal care; she's very attentive and affectionate."

The calf, whose gender will be determined pending its first veterinary examination, is estimated to weigh about 150 pounds and stand more than five-feet tall. The giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) -- tallest of all land mammals -- can reach heights of up to 20 feet and weigh up to 2,500 pounds.

The calf will be kept in the giraffe building as temperatures drop, but may be seen with its mother outdoors on warmer days.

Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, the Detroit Zoo is located at 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue off I-696 in Royal Oak. Admission is $14 for adults 15 to 61 and $10 for children 2 to 14, senior citizens 62 and older and active military with ID; children under 2 are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.detroitzoo.org.