NORFOLK, Va. – The Virginia Zoo had an extra special Christmas surprise this year!
They originally announced that the baby was coming in 2022, but the calf came early!
The Masai giraffe calf was born on December 28 before Zoo Keepers arrived. The male calf weighed 159 pounds and was 5’9” tall at birth. His mom, Noelle, has now had three calfs and dad, Billy, has had a whopping 14 calfs.
Mom and baby are bonding, and the calf is nursing well. Zoo staff said the little Masai giraffe appears strong and is already learning how to run!
While right now his birth brings the herd total to six, The Virginia Zoo said two other giraffes will be leaving soon to live in Florida.
Masai giraffes are currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so the birth of this newest calf is especially important.
Right now, the Zoo said the calf and Noelle can be seen in their night barn from the Africa – Okavango Delta boardwalk.
