The Living Desert zoo outside Palm Springs Tuesday announced the birth of the largest giraffe calf in the zoo’s history.
The as-of-yet unnamed male calf was born April 28 to mother Tuli and father Hesabu.
The calf weighed in at 185.9 pounds and 6 feet, 3 inches tall, making him the largest giraffe born at the Living Desert.
“We are so excited to share the wonderful news of our new addition. Mother and calf are bonding and doing very well,” said Allen Monroe, the zoo’s president and CEO. “Every birth is special, and this giraffe birth is a fulfilling part of our mission, since Tuli and Hesabu were brought to the Living Desert based on Species Survival Plan recommendations.”
The calf is bonding with his mom off-exhibit, but zoo officials said an exhibit debut will be announced soon.
“Tuli and her calf are doing very well. The well-baby exam on April 29 showed that all his vitals are within the normal range, and he is progressing as expected,” said Dr. Kevin Leiske, the zoo’s veterinarian.
The birth expands the zoo’s giraffe herd to eight — six males and two females. Giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Giraffe populations have declined by as much as 40 percent over the last 30 years, with habitat loss, civil unrest and ecological changes identified as the largest threats to the species.
— City News Service