Kansas City Zoo has a new baby on board and took to social media to share the good news that a baby Masai Giraffe was born.
On July 3, 2024, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium announced the birth of a baby female giraffe, sharing first photos and she's so cute. Take a look!
On Instagram, the zoo shared all the details of their newest herd member, and she is the cutest.
Related: Giraffe Can't Get Enough Scratches on His 'Horns' and Who Knew They Could Be So Cute?
"WELCOME TO THE HERD! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to announce the birth of a female Masai giraffe on Sunday, June 30, to mom Makali," the Instagram post shared.
"The calf weighs in at approximately 125 pounds and already stands 5 feet 6 inches tall."
The care team were able to take a look at the baby to do a quick neonatal exam and thankfully the little one is "in good health" and she's spending time "bonding with her mom behind the scenes and will soon be meeting her herd mates one by one."
The zoo went on to explain that this new baby is 12-year-old's Makali's second baby. Her first calf was born in 2018 and left the zoo in 2020 so he could create his own family.
"Four-year-old Aidan is the first-time father. Other members of the Zoo’s herd include 4-year-old Chandy and 2-year-old Alika, so baby makes five," the zoo explains.
The Instagram share also included three photos of the new baby. The first is a full photo of the sweet little girl, the second a close up on her adorable face, and the third photo shows how small she is compared to her mom who is standing behind her.
"It will be a while before this adorable girl makes her public debut," the zoo explained, "but we will keep fans updated on the Zoo’s social media pages as details arise, including when a name is chosen!"
Masai Giraffe Are Considered 'Endangered'
"Along with wowing guests with their statuesque appearance, these ambassadors are representatives for their Masai giraffe subspecies, which is listed as endangered by IUCN," the zoo shared in their social post.
"Over the past 35 years, giraffe numbers have decreased by nearly 30%. The KCZoo is partnering with Save Giraffes Now in working to ensure a safe future for the giraffe species. From reintroduction and rescue to anti-poaching units, this group has many on-the-ground efforts that include both the giraffe species and the communities living beside them."
The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) says Masai Giraffes are endangered because their population numbers are dropping due to hunting and habitat loss.
"Combined estimates for Kenya and Tanzania at the beginning of these time series are 69,000-71,000 and for the most recent estimates 35,000," the IUCN writes. "Probable causes of the decline are habitat loss and illegal hunting."
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