Detroit Zoo announces newest addition: calf giraffe

Image 1 of 15

A new giraffe was born at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, Aug. 6. Image courtesy: Detroit Zoo/Jennie Miller

For the second time in two years, the Detroit Zoo has new arrivals in the giraffe family. A female reticulated giraffe was born Saturday night in the giraffe habitat.

The Zoo announced the birth Monday morning, saying the yet-to-be-named calf was born at 8:21 p.m. on Saturday after a 14-month gestation. This is the second offspring in two years for mother, Kivuli, and father, Jabari: 1-year-old male Mpenzi was born at the Zoo on September 30, 2014.

The calf was born outdoors at the giraffe habitat and weighs in at 166 pounds and stands 5 feet tall. Within 30 minutes of her birth, she took her first steps and then nursed through the night.

"This is a wonderful new addition to the Detroit Zoo. The calf is doing great - she has been spending time with mom and is curious about big brother Mpenzi," said Scott Carter, Detroit Zoological Society chief life sciences officer.

The calf has been monitored around the clock by zoo staff members and is doing well.