Milwaukee County Zoo announces birth of baby giraffe

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Zoo announced the birth of a reticulated giraffe, born Friday, May 27.

According to a news release, the female calf was born in the early evening hours to mom, Marlee, and dad, Bahatika. This is Marlee’s third calf; her most recent calf, Maya, born in 2018, is part of MCZ’s current herd.

On May 28, Zoo veterinarians and animal care staff completed the calf’s first exam, and recorded a weight of about 164 pounds, and a height of approximately 6-feet tall. Even though zookeepers haven’t seen the calf nursing during the day, she is “spunky and strong,” so staff know that she’s eating fine.

Marlee is 10 years old and arrived at MCZ in 2013 from Zoo Miami. Bahatika is 17 years old and arrived at MCZ in 2006 from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado.

The Giraffe building will be open this week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Because giraffe don’t like loud noises, Zoo Pride volunteers will help with noise control, so the calf can become more acclimated to her surroundings and comfortable with animal care staff. As the calf becomes more comfortable with visitors, building hours will be extended.

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