Abilene Zoo Welcomes Baby Giraffe

ABILENE, TX -- The Abilene Zoo has confirmed the arrival of a new baby giraffe.

According to the zoo, the calf was born Tuesday and weighs 142 pounds. The two-day-old giraffe stands approximately 5-foot-11-inches tall.

Currently, the zoo is "cautiously optimistic" as the female calf has had a difficult time adjusting to nursing.

The zoo's veterinary care staff performed a neonatal exam using blood samples that determined the amount of colostrum the newborn giraffe has consumed.

“It is vital for newborn giraffes to intake a certain amount of colostrum to build critical antibodies for the animal's survivability,” said Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle. “Blood work looks good at this point, but we will continue to monitor levels for the next several days.”

Zoo staff will continue to provide updates on the baby giraffe's condition.

“This kid isn’t out of the woods,” stated Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. “This is an important species and very valuable female calf. We are going to do whatever we can to help her survive.”