Zoo Berlin Welcomes Baby Giraffe
March 03, 2013
It’s
been four years since a Giraffe was born at Zoo Berlin, so the arrival of a
male baby to 10-year-old female Kibaya on February 26 was cause for
celebration.
Zoo keepers estimate the baby’s height at 72 inches (1.85 meters) and its weight at 220 pounds (100 kg) – a relatively large newborn, even for a bull calf.
The zoo’s historic Antelope and Giraffe house was closed for a few days to let the newborn gain strength and bond with his mother. The baby’s arrival brings the total number of Giraffes in the zoo’s herd to four.
Though he’s already big compared to other zoo babies, this little Giraffe still has a lot of growing to do before he reaches maturity. He’ll spend an entire year nursing from his mother, with tastes of hay and solid foods being introduced within the first few months.