Milwaukee County Zoo Announces Birth of Giraffe

The Milwaukee County Zoo announced the birth of reticulated giraffe on April 26. 

The new giraffe joins Tafari, the most recent giraffe born at the Zoo in September 2015.

The new female was born in the early evening to first-time mom Marlee, and dad, Bahatika. 

On April 27, veterinarians completed the calf’s first exam, and recorded a weight of about 130 pounds, and a height of approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall.  Zookeepers and medical staff have been monitoring mother and baby.  Marlee appears very calm and attentive to the calf, who is nursing regularly.

Marlee is 4 years old, and arrived at the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2013 from Zoo Miami.  Bahatika is 11 years old, and arrived here in 2006 from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado.  He is also the father of Tafari.In the wild, giraffes are found throughout the savannas of Africa. 

The Zoo’s indoor Giraffe Exhibit will be open for limited hours beginning at 10 a.m. daily, through this weekend, and then most likely increase as the calf and mother become more comfortable with visitors.