This male baby giraffe was born on August 5 at the zoo.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo welcomed a baby giraffe to the herd on Sunday, August 5.  After a 15-month pregnancy, female giraffe Zuri delivered a healthy baby boy at about 12:15 p.m. in the African Journey barn.  This is the first successful giraffe birth at the zoo since 1996.

 

“The baby looks healthy and strong, and Zuri is being a great mother” says Animal Curator Mark Weldon.  The baby stood within an hour of birth, and was nursing a few hours later. – two important indicators of the baby’s health.

 

Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Joe Smith gave the baby his first physical Monday afternoon and pronounced the baby in good health.  The baby weighs 136 pounds and stands 6’ 5” tall.

 

The baby has not yet been named, and will remain behind the scenes with Zuri, age 18, for a few weeks while the two are gradually introduced to the other members of the zoo’s giraffe herd:  Jelani, age 9 (the baby’s father); Kalahari, age 18; Mystic, age 1; and Luna, age 1.  During the introduction period, the giraffes may have the choice of remaining indoors or going into their 2-acre grassy exhibit.

 

Though some of the African Journey exhibit is under renovation, the giraffe exhibit and the African Village can be visited until the zoo closes for the season on October 14. 

 

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is one of the area’s major attractions, drawing 500,000 visitors every year.  The zoo was named one of the country’s “Ten Best Zoos for Kids.”

 

The zoo is open every day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until October 14.  Admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children age 2-14, and $7.00 for seniors over age 60.  Babies age 1 and under and Zoo Society Members are admitted free.