On Monday afternoon, an endangered reticulated giraffe calf was born at Reid Park Zoo.
The calf, whose name is yet to be determined, was born as part of the Giraffe Species Survival Plan.
“This calf was born to two parents who had a breeding recommendation as part of the Species Survival Plan, Penelope and Jasiri,” said Chelo Grubb from Reid Park Zoo’s marketing department. “It's how zoos make sure that the animals we care for have good genetic diversity and are going to be able to thrive for generations to come,”
The six-feet-tall young male was standing an hour after birth, and is currently spending some quiet bonding time with his mother.
“He and his mom are going to spend a couple of days behind the scenes just bonding and getting to know each other, and then he will slowly be introduced to the two other members of our giraffe tower,” Grubb said.
Grubb added that guests can expect to see the calf in the upcoming days, depending on when the timing feels right for him and his mother.
“We'll be letting people know as soon as he'll be available for the public to meet, as soon as we have that information,” she said.
This is not the first time Penelope and Jasiri welcomed an offspring: Moyo, their firstborn calf, arrived in 2024, and was the first giraffe to be born in the zoo in the past 20 years. Moyo has since moved from the zoo to start his own herd.
