Baby Giraffe Born at Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo welcomes a new addition to its family. Masai giraffe, Audrey, gave birth to a male calf Thursday afternoon. This will be her third calf in four years. The newborn has been named “Buttercup.”

Buttercup attempted to stand only after 15 minutes of being born, but he needed some help onto his feet.

Buttercup is off-exhibit with his mother in the Giraffe Barn, where he will have his first medical exam on Friday. His height, weight, and general health will be assessed by the Zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Julie Barnes, who will also determine when he will be able to leave the Barn.

The Zoo’s other female giraffe, Betty Lou, is also pregnant. She will not be due until March 2015. The father of both giraffes is Michael, the Zoo’s only male giraffe.

Slideshow: Baby Giraffe Born at Santa Barbara Zoo