SEATTLE — A neonatal examination yesterday revealed that Woodland Park Zoo’s newest baby, a giraffe, is a boy. The unnamed calf stands in at 6 feet and weighs 144 pounds. The tallest baby in Seattle was born at 7:03 p.m. Aug. 6 to 6-year-old Olivia, a first-time mom. The last viable birth of a giraffe at the zoo was in 1997.
Blood tests show the calf is nursing normally and the mom is passing on the necessary antibody-rich colostrum to help keep him healthy until he develops his own antibodies, according to Dr. Darin Collins, the zoo’s director of animal health. “The first 24 to 72 hours are critical for giraffe calves, but so far he seems to be doing well,” said Collins.
The calf and mother are off view in the barn to allow a quiet environment for maternal bonding and nursing.
“He’s a very mobile calf,” explained Martin Ramirez, a curator at the zoo. “We anticipated a week or two before he follows his mom to the outdoor corral but he’s showing early signs of curiosity and adventure, so it’s possible zoo-goers can see him as early as this weekend. However, expect sporadic viewing since he can choose to go off view in the barn.”
