A giraffe calf has been born at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Even though she is only 7 days old she has already reached 6 feet in size and tips the scales at 123 pounds. To enter the world she dropped 6 feet to the ground.
The baby was born last Sunday to dad, Travis and mum, Jhasmin. For Jhasmin this is first calf after she was born at the zoo in 2005. Jhasmin has proven to be a very good first time parent.
Andi Kornak can attest to this, he said ‘The baby is doing well and Jhasmin is proving to be a very attentive and nurturing parent.’
She is not yet on exhibit as ‘They will continue to spend bonding time together before the little one is introduced to the rest of the herd and joins them on exhibit.’
For the zoo this is the 47th calf to have been born there since 1955. Currently they have five giraffes in the zoo’s herd. Females Jada and Grace live with Jhasmin and Travis. Travis was born at the San Diego Safari Park in 2006. He made the move to Cleveland in 2008.
The giraffes at the zoo are the masai sub-species. They live around the Masai Mara National Reserve throughout Kenya and Tanzania.
One day this girl will be able to reach heights of 16 feet. First she needs a name though and the zoo wants the public to help with this. Soon they will announce a naming competition.
Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
