Giraffes at the feeder
(Photo by Jessie Cohen)
A giraffe was born in the National Zoo's Elephant House on Sunday, 16 May, about 5:30 p.m . Keepers believe the calf, as yet unnamed, is a male. Both Grif, the 12-year old mother, and the infant are doing well. The newborn is about 5' 11" and weighs approximately 150 pounds. The father is Lionel, an 11 year zoo resident.
The Masai giraffe is one of the eight recognized subspecies of giraffes. There are only about 25 Masai giraffes in North America today and Grif's offspring are important because they carry genes from a new bloodline not represented in North America.
The birth was unusual in that it occurred later in the day than is typical. Giraffes in the wild are almost always born between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. The timing of birth appears to be an adaptation to the animal's natural grassland habitat. During the day, the herd is nearby to offer protection when the calf and its mother are most vulnerable.