The first giraffe born at Reid Park Zoo in nearly 24 years is standing — at about 6 feet tall already — and snuggling with mom Penelope after being born Monday.
Penelope, known as “Penny,” went into labor around noon Monday and gave birth several hours later to the male, her first calf.
"Both mom and baby are doing well. The calf is standing and nursing, and Penelope has been very attentive and nurturing to her newborn," the Tucson zoo said in a news release Tuesday evening.
The first giraffe born at Reid Park Zoo in nearly 24 years as born to Penelope on Monday.
The newcomer measured approximately 6 feet tall at birth.
"Mom and calf are behind the scenes having some quiet bonding time. The zoo expects the pair will be on habitat in a few days."
“We’re excited to be able to bring baby giraffes back to Tucson after such a long time, and inspire future generations to conserve these amazing animals,” said Adam Ramsey, director of animal care, in the release.
Penelope came to Reid Park Zoo in 2020 as a part of the Giraffe Species Survival Plan with a breeding recommendation for Jasiri, the zoo’s male giraffe and father of the calf.
Watch Reid's Park's baby giraffe snuggle with his mother
Penny, Jasiri, and the yet unnamed calf are reticulated giraffes, featuring distinctive chestnut colored patches outlined by thin white lines.
The birth marks the second in Reid Park Zoo’s current “baby boom.” The zoo welcomed a Grevy’s zebra foal on Christmas morning, and is also preparing for the birth of an African elephant calf in the coming months.
Tucson's Reid Park Zoo welcomed a zebra foul to its family. The zoo has announced a naming contest for the baby and you can vote here.
Video courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo supports the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Giraffe SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Program, providing fieldwork in Uganda to stabilize wild populations of the endangered reticulated giraffes. "By supporting Reid Park Zoo, guests are also helping support these programs."
